Creativity reigns throughout the community with plans to celebrate Purim with both traditional and innovative, fun events.
The holiday commemorates the saving of the Jewish people in Persia as recounted in the Book of Esther.
Compiled by Ronnie Jacobs Cohen for Shalom Tidewater
B’nai Israel
Rabbi Sender Haber’s ‘Daily Dvar Torah’ WhatsApp group is currently studying the Book of Esther with short and inspiring daily lessons. If interested in joining this group, contact B’nai Israel’s office.
COVID-19 compliant
Megillah readings
Thursday night, February 25 and Friday morning, February 26
A special Purim scavenger hunt throughout Ghent will take place.
Rabbi Haber will facilitate ‘Matanos La’evyonim’—‘Gifts for the Poor’ with distributions taking place on Purim both locally and in Israel.
Everyone is encouraged to fulfill the mitzvah of ‘Mishloach Manos’—‘Gifts of Food’ to family, friends, and particularly to people who are housebound and on their own this Purim.
In keeping with State and Rabbinic Guidelines, there will not be a communal Purim meal this year.
For more information, scheduling, or to participate in any of the above, contact the B’nai Israel office at office@bnaiisrael.org.
Chabad of Tidewater
Megillah readings
Thursday, February 25
Ma’ariv begins at 6:25 pm; Megillah reading at 6:45 pm and again at 7:45 pm
Friday February 26
Shachris at 8 am; Megillah reading at 8:30 am and at 10 am
Activities will be in-person, with limited seating. RSVP is required. For information and to RSVP, email rabbilevi@chabadoftidewater.com.
Congregation Beth El
The Beth El Players present the Story of Esther on Zoom
Thursday, February 25, 5:45 pm
Full Megillah reading
Friday, February 26, 7:15 am during morning Zoom minyan.
Contact noelle@bethelnorfolk.com for Zoom links.
Thanks to Beth El’s Men’s Club and the volunteer delivery team, Beth El delivered mishlo’ah manot boxes to all members.
Kehillat Bet Hamidrash, Kempsville Conservative Synagogue
Food In; Food Out
Sunday, February 21
Stop by KBH to drop off non-perishables for the JFS Food Pantry and receive some hamantashen and sweets.
Virtual Purim Parade
and Megillah reading
Thursday, February 25, 7 pm
Purim Seudah
February 26, 12 pm
Grab your lunch and join via Zoom for Purim games and activities—and maybe a few l’chaims.
For information and the Zoom link, email kbhsynagogue@gmail.com.
Ohef Sholom
Hamantashen Cooking with Phil and Tal
Sunday, February 21, 4 pm via Zoom
Go to ohefsholom.org for ingredients and Zoom link.
A Pandemic in Persia: A Purimshpiel
Thursday, February 25, 6:30 pm
If you haven’t already joined the kingdom-wide Zoom meeting, by royal decree, King Achashveirosh requests the presence of every Persian in the land to Zoom for A Pandemic In Persia! A Virtual Zoom Shpiel.
For more information, call 757-625-4295 or email information@ohefsholom.org for the Zoom link.
The Whole Megillah with Jay Lazier
Friday, February 26, 12 pm
Sit down for lunch and tune in to hear the full Megillah read by Jay Lazier. Groggers and megillot optional.
RSVP to reservations@ohefsholom.org for the link.
PJ Library
Purim in a box is being delivered to Jewish families in Tidewater who reserved one before they were all gone.
The Purim box includes a Purim craft, markers, a decorate your own mask, Purim accessories, a PJ Library’s Be Happy, It’s Purim DVD for the everyone to enjoy and a plate of assorted Hamantashen cookies.
Strelitz International Academy
In-school Purim Celebration
Friday, February 26
Students will come in costume, review the Purim story and enjoy treats including Hamentashen. SIA students will also participate in Purim-themed games with prizes and be treated to special entertainment via Zoom.
Temple Israel
Zoom Megillah reading of the Book of Esther
Thursday, February 25, 7 pm
What really happened when COVID came to Shushan? Write a short song, poem, or story about a section of the Purim story and what really happened when COVID came to Shushan.
For more information and the Zoom link, email templeisraelva1954@gmail.com.
Temple Emanuel
Purim Celebration
Sunday, February 21, 11 am
A community—for kids and adults—celebration will take place via Zoom. The celebration will include Reading of the Megillah and the film, Rise of the Empress.
For the Zoom link to the Purim Celebration, go to www.tevb.org/virtual.
Tidewater Chavurah
Rock ‘n’ Roll Purim Megillah Reading
Friday, February 26, 7 pm
Dress in costume or at least wear a fun hat and wild jewelry.
For more information, visit www.tidewaterchavurah.org or contact rabbicantorejg@gmail.com.