On the Hebrew calendar, there’s arguably no better time to get downright silly, slaphappy and joyful than on Purim, the holiday celebrating the rescue and deliverance of the Jewish people from genocide in ancient Persia.
This year, Purim will technically be observed from Thursday evening, Mar. 13, through sundown on Friday, Mar. 14. But the spirit of the festival goes on during the days before and after the actual observance.
Yes, one’s head could spin (like a grogger at the mention of Haman’s name) from so many holiday celebrations at shuls and other Jewish institutions around town. But the following are seven special Purim happenings that we feel will get you squarely in the holiday mood.
Be happy, it’s Adar!
Saturday, Mar. 8
Join Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation, at 7310 Park Heights Avenue, from 7-9 p.m. for a truly “Wicked” holiday spiel. Based on the hit Broadway musical and movie, the event will include snacks and a dessert reception following the performance. Please note that this event is geared toward adults and everyone is encouraged to bring a beverage of their own choice (BYOB). Admission is free. For information, visit hsosc-baltimore.org/event/purim-spiel.html.
Sunday, Mar. 9
To celebrate Purim, Jews United for Justice will pack and deliver 420 bags of mishloach manot (sweet treats) to statewide elected officials, along with a reminder of what the organization’s legislative priorities are for this year. Volunteers are needed to help pack bags, deliver or donate supplies or money to offset costs. Packing bags will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Laurel, 1 p.m. in Baltimore and 3 p.m. in Rockville. Delivering gift bags to elected officials will take place on Monday, Mar. 10, at 5 p.m. Delivering gift bags to Montgomery County elected officials will be held on Tuesday, Mar. 11, at noon in Rockville. Costumes (and kids) are welcome, both to pack bags and to deliver them. For information, visit jufj.org/event/md-purim-25/.
Tuesday, Mar. 11
Jewish Community Services will hold a Purim party for teens and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. This free gathering – from 6-8 p.m. at the Owings Mills Jewish Community Center, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue – will include a light dinner, hamantaschen, games, dancing and other fun activities. For information, visit jcsbalt.org/purim-party/. To request disability accommodations, please contact Jamie Leboe at jleboe@jcsbaltimore.org or 410-843-7316.)
Thursday, Mar. 13
Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s & 30s will hold a Purim party at Bowlero Timonium, 2165 York Road, from 8-10 p.m. Activities will include bowling, food, drinks, a megillah reading, costumes and giveaways. For information, visit eventbrite.com/e/purim-party-tickets-1260291498799?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Friday, Mar. 14
Join Chabad of White Marsh and celebrate the holiday in royal style with “Purim in the Palace.” From 5-7 p.m. festivities will include dinner, wine, “Baltimore County’s Fastest Megillah Reading,” a costume contest and adult Purim trivia. For information, visit eventbrite.com/e/purim-in-the-palace-registration-1248922343349?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Saturday, Mar. 15
Roland Park’s Bolton Street Synagogue, at 212 W. Cold Spring Lane, will hold karaoke-style adult Purim spiel, featuring songs across the decades. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with hor d’oeuvres, desserts (including hamentaschens), and drinks. Karaoke, fun and games will begin at 8, and costumes are highly encouraged. There will be awards and prizes presented throughout the evening. For information, visit boltonstreet.org/events/adult-purim-karaoke-spiel/.
Sunday, Mar. 16
Reservoir Hill’s Beth Am Synagogue will host a “Queer Families Purim Party” from 3-5 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s White Marsh, at 8200 Perry Hall Boulevard. Costumes are encouraged for this evening of games, food, friendship and fun. For information, visit bethamsynagogue.shulcloud.com/event/purimparty.
For information about other Purim activities around the community, visit jmoreliving.com/events-calendar/.
The BCO, founded in 1984, will perform the works of Frank Zappa, Beethoven, Mason Bates and Karena Ingram.
For more than 130 years, Sol Levinson & Bros. has been woven into the fabric of Baltimore’s Jewish community.
Led by local Israel-American cellist Amit Peled, the Mount Vernon Virtuosi aims to inspire people beyond musical enjoyment.
A former college campus activist, Veksler will speak at Chizuk Amuno on June 8 at the Ruth and Jay Lenrow Visiting Scholar-in-Residence for Combating Antisemitism.