Arguably, Purim is Judaism’s most joyful holiday, often compared to Mardi Gras or Halloween for its sense of revelry, spirit of tomfoolery and general joie de vivre. It’s commonly known as the “Feast of Lots” because of the lots cast by Haman and his ilk regarding what date to eliminate the Jews of Persia. But the bottom line today is that Purim is simply lots of fun, for folks of all ages.
So what will you do this year to celebrate Persian Jewry’s miraculous victory over the antisemitic Haman and his evil forces in the 4th-Century BCE, as recounted in the Book of Esther? Well, there’s no shortage of events and happenings going on around the Baltimore area to celebrate the holiday, which this year falls on Saturday night, March 23, and runs through Sunday evening, March 24.
Here is but a smattering of the community’s Purim offerings:
Saturday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Beth Am Synagogue
2501 Eutaw Place, Reservoir Hill
Beth Am’s Rainbow Circle and a slew of other community groups and congregations will celebrate the “5784 Queer Purim Party.” The evening will begin with programs for all ages including tzedakah and craft projects, games, noshes and Havdalah. There will also be a short short presentation of the Purim story, music and dancing. At 9 p.m., the 21-and-older dance party will start. Don’t forget your Purim costume. For information, visit bethamsynagogue.shulcloud.com/form/queer-purim-party-5784.
Sunday, March 17, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Beth Israel Congregation
3706 Crondall Lane, Owings Mills
Join Beth Israel for a pre-holiday “Barbie Purim in Pink” celebration for families. There will be a carnival, megillah reading, karaoke and more. For information, visit bethisrael-om.org/purim.
9:30 a.m. to noon
Bolton Street Synagogue
212 W. Cold Spring Lane, Roland Park
Join Bolton Street for its annual Purim carnival, featuring a tot service and carnival followed by a family service and carnival. For information, visit boltonstreet.org/events/purim-carnival.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Temple Solel
2901 Mitchellville Road, Bowie
Is it better in Bowie? Some would say yes, others are bound to agree. Temple Solel will host its annual Purim carnival, so come dressed in your favorite costume and bring along friends and neighbors for a day of fun. Activities Include a moonbounce obstacle course, carnival games, face-painting, a dessert circle, crafts, a game truck and much more. A catered BBQ lunch from URBurger in Edgewater is included in the ticket price. Hamantaschen will also be available for purchase. Tickets available at the door or online at membership.templesolelmd.org/purim-carnival.
Noon
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
7401 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville
Join Charm City’s oldest Jewish congregation for its annual Purim Carnival, featuring music, arts and crafts, face-painting, snacks, games prizes and more. For information, visit givebutter.com/purim24.
1 p.m.
Our Time Kitchen
117 W. 24th Street, Baltimore
Join Jews United for Justice in baking hamantaschen and packing gift bags, in partnership with Repair the World and The Associated’s Young Adult Division. (Note: Repair the World is asking for donations of $8 for those who can afford that; after RSVPing you will receive a link to make that donation to Repair the World). For information, visit jufj.org/event/md-purim.
Wednesday, March 20, 6 to 8 p.m.
Ben and Esther Rosenbloom Jewish Community Center
3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue (Teen Lounge), Owings Mills
Teens and adults with developmental disabilities are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening of fun. Light dinner, hamantaschen, games and dancing. This event is free and open to the public, but spaces are limited. For information, visit jcsbalt.org/purim-party or contact Jamie Leboe at jleboe@jcsbaltimore.org or 443-858-3327.
Saturday, March 23, 7 to 9 p.m.
Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation
7310 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville
Good morning, Shushan?! Yes, HSOSC will offer for its Purim celebration this year a parody of John Waters’ “Hairspray” written by New York-based composer Rabbi Billy Dreskin and his wife, Cantor Ellen Dreskin. Interestingly, the spiel features a parody of a parody of a story that actually occurred in Baltimore on “The Buddy Deane Show,” the local TV teen dance show on which “Hairspray” is based. Snacks and desserts will be provided. For information, visit hsosc-baltimore.org/event/community-purim-celebration-time-tbd.html.
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Chizuk Amuno Congregation
8100 Stevenson Road, Pikesville
Pure imagination! Celebrate Purim with Chizuk Amuno as the congregation celebrates “The Amazing and Enchanting World of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! Megillah Reading at 7:30, after-party from 8:30 to 10. All Ages are welcome. Please bring $1 with you to toss a ball into a bucket. All money collected will be donated to charity. For information, visit chizukamuno.org/event/willy-wonka-and-the-purim-factory.html.
Sunday, Mar. 24, 10 a.m.
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
7401 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville
Check out “The Great BHC Bake Off: An Interactive Purim Spiel.” Each table will be given a recipe, along with arts and crafts supplies, to bake the most delicious hamantaschen in the Persian kingdom. While baking, participants can decorate their area for “the ball.” Some will choose the ball where Vashti refuses to dance, others the ball Esther where exposes Haman. Judges will select the the winners. For information, visit givebutter.com/purim24.
11 a.m.
Chabad of Downtown
407 S. High Street, East Baltimore
Chabad of Downtown invites young Jewish professionals (22-38) to a “Boozy Brunch Purim Party.” Eat a festive meal, hear the Book of Esther, give gifts to the poor, meet up with friends and exchange mishloach manot (Purim gift baskets). For information, visit bmorejewish.com/tools/events/register.asp?page=&eventid=16806&new=true.
12:15 p.m.
Beth Tfiloh Congregation
3300 Old Court Road, Pikesville
Grab your favorite costume or getup and and Join BT for a multi-media megillah reading followed by a brunch-themed seudah and party. Enjoy a make-your-own-waffle bar, tater tot stations, ice cream sundaes, Israeli breakfast station and cocktails for adults! There will also be carnival games, spin art, face painting, crafts and more. For information, visit bethtfiloh.com/services/shabbat-and-holidays/purim.
3 p.m.
Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation
7000 Rockland Hills Drive, Greengate
Come celebrate “Purim in Israel” with MMAE, featuring a seudah in the Kiddush Room, an outside party at 4 p.m., hamantaschen and a bounce house, followed by a 5:15 p.m. megillah reading, raffle and prizes. For information, call 410-653-7485.
5 p.m.
9785 Route 99, Ellicott City
Join Chabad of Ellicott City for a maritime marvelous time aboard their “Purim at Sea” event. Settle in for a sit-down dinner featuring a delightful array of pastas, traditional Purim delicacies and drinks. Junior sailors can unleash their creativity with exciting craft activities just for them. For information, visit chabadellicottcity.com/.
5:30 p.m.
Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue
6214 Greenspring Avenue, Northwest Baltimore
No, Taylor Swift won’t be there. But Ner Tamid will host what’s billed as “the Jazziest Alcohol-Free Purim Seudah in Baltimore.” Jazz music by the Mike Graham Quartet, Catering by Chef Dan, children’s activities and more. For information, visit nertamidbaltimore.shulcloud.com/event/purim-seudah-.html.
6 to 9 p.m.
Suburban Club
7600 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville
American-Israeli rapper Kosha Dillz will be presented live in concert by the Ariel-Chabad Jewish Center. This event will also feature a Purim costume contest, games and prizes. Preceding this event will be a children’s carnival (from 3-5 p.m.) and a family dinner (from 4-6 p.m.). For information, visit arielcenter.org.
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