Besides a time to recall the valor and bravery of Queen Esther and Mordechai — not to mention the absolute wickedness of Haman — Purim is a holiday when congregations, Jewish groups and individuals, well, get creative. And there’s no lack of creativity in these parts when it comes to the Festival of Lots, which this year will be observed next Monday evening, Mar. 6, and Tuesday, Mar. 7.
In honor of one of Judaism’s most joyous holidays, we offer an even dozen of the Baltimore metropolitan area’s most promising, alluring and creative Purim events. Chag Purim Sameach!
‘Cast Your Lot’
Saturday, Mar. 4, 6-9 p.m.
Peabody Heights Brewery
401 E. 30th St., Waverly
Come to Peabody Heights Brewery and celebrate a “very gerrymandered Purim” with Hinenu: The Baltimore Justice Shtiebel. Doors open at 6, costume contest at 6:30, quorum shpiel at 7. Dance the night away to the wild and hypnotic sounds of the Ineffable Hinenu Klezmer Band. Proceeds to benefit Baltimore Votes, Black Girls Vote, and Hinenu. To RSVP, go to hinenu.breezechms.com/form/PURIMPARTY
Masquerade Party
Saturday, Mar. 4, Starting at 7:30 p.m.
Beth Am Synagogue
2501 Eutaw Place, Reservoir Hill
Join the Rainbow Circle at Beth Am for a Purim masquerade dance party. All are welcome and invited to wear costumes, dress in a way that expresses themselves, and bring friends. $5 per person. BYOB encouraged. Register at bethambaltimore.org/calendar/
‘Social Media Circus’
Sunday, Mar. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
7401 Park Heights Ave., Pikesville
Join BHC for its “social media shpiel,” featuring a live deejay, face painting, a magician, carnival games, prizes, and food and drinks. For information, visit baltimorehebrew.org/purim.
Mayhem at the Museum
Sunday, Mar. 5, Noon to 3 p.m.
Jewish Museum of Maryland
15 Lloyd St., East Baltimore
Celebrate Purim with the JMM and Hinenu: The Baltimore Justice Shtiebl at their youth-led Purim carnival. This all-ages free family event will include carnival games, Purim skits and funky dancing. Costumes are encouraged. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the museum. (Food and drinks will not be served at this event.) For information, visit jewishmuseummd.org/.
‘Purim Palooza’
Oakland Mills Interfaith Center
Sunday, Mar. 5, 3-5 p.m.
5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia
Join the Jewish Federation of Howard County for its 31st annual “Purim Palooza.” Activities include games, food trucks, costume contests, face painting and kosher snacks. For information, click here.
Pre-Purim Carnival
Sunday, Mar. 5, 3:30-6 p.m.
Shomrei Emunah Congregation
6221 Greenspring Ave., Northwest Baltimore
Come to the social hall at Shomrei Emunah for an afternoon of games, face painting, a petting zoo, inflatables, cotton candy, barbecue, popcorn, snow cones and prizes. For information, visit shomrei.shulcloud.com/form/2023PurimCarnival.
‘Party at the Palace’
Monday, Mar. 6, Starting at 5 p.m.
Beth El Congregation
8101 Park Heights Ave., Pikesville
Grab your costume, family and friends, and come celebrate the holiday with a carnival for all ages, dinner and a rock ‘n’ roll- themed megillah reading. There will also be a sock hop complete with dancing, food and soda floats. For information, visit bethelbalto.com/party-at-the-palace/.
‘Purim at BT’
Monday, Mar. 6, Starting at 5 p.m.
Beth Tfiloh Synagogue
3300 Old Court Rd., Pikesville
Get your costumes and groggers ready for another Purim full of fun and friends at BT. From 5 to 6:15 p.m., there will be a preschool megillah story, costume parade and carnival, plus mishloach manot-making, bounce-houses, games and crafts. From 7:30 to 9, there will be a Purim carnival with inflatables, games, hamantaschen and lemonade. Registration for both carnivals is required by Mar. 6 at 9 a.m. For information, visit http://bit.ly/BTPurim or https://bit.ly/BTPurimSchedule
Disney-Themed Purim
Monday, Mar. 6, Starting at 6:15 p.m.
Chizuk Amuno Congregation
8100 Stevenson Rd., Pikesville
Join Chizuk Amuno for a night filled with laughter, imagination and dreams at “the most magical place on Earth.” Classic megillah reading at 6:15 p.m. in the Esterson Auditorium, community megillah reading starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Sanctuary, family-friendly after-party at 7:30 p.m. in the Krieger Auditorium, teens-only after-party at 7:30 p.m. in the Krieger Gymnasium, and adults-only event at 7:30 p.m. in the Stulman Auditorium. For information, click here.
Wild, Wild West
Monday, Mar. 6, 6:30-10 p.m.
B’nai Israel Synagogue
27 Lloyd St., East Baltimore
Hey pardner, break out your Stetson, cowboy boots, spurs and chaps — BIYA (B’nai Israel Young Adults) will celebrate Purim in a fashion that even Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill would appreciate. Tickets include an open bar and plenty of food! Megillah reading is a 6:30, party at 7:30. Register jewishdowntown.org/event/purim5783
‘Purim in Paradise’
Monday, Mar. 6, Starts at 6:45 p.m.
Park Heights Jewish Community Center
5700 Park Heights Ave.
Join Camp Shoresh for a Megillah reading, dinner and dessert, music and dancing, fun activities and prizes. $10 per person; maximum $36 per family. RSVP at shoresh@shoresh.com
‘Baltimore City Purim Action’
Wednesday, Mar. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jews United for Justice
Baltimore City Hall, 100 Holliday St.
Members of the local chapter of Jews United for Justice will observe Purim by delivering mishloach manot, bags of sweet gifts, to state legislators, along with a reminder of JUFJ’s legislative priorities. For information, visit jufj.org/event/baltimore-purim/
The gathering on June 4 will be part of activities and programming around the world marking "Holocaust Survivor Day."
'It's Classic!" featured rock climbing, food, live entertainment and more.
A Norfolk native, Frankle worked at Sinai Hospital, Camp Airy and privately for five decades.
Esther Greenberg, Leora Match, Kathlleen St. Villier Hill and Ben Gershowitz will be recognized for the contributions to the community.