Congregation Beth David Celebrates Purim with Fun and Frivolity!

Technically a minor holiday, Purim is nevertheless one of the high points of the festival cycle for Jews all over the world. It is celebrated by dressing up in costumes and engaging in general frivolity as well as giving gift baskets, called mishloach manot, to friends. The celebrations culminate in the reading of the biblical Book of Esther, also known as the Megillah in Hebrew, read aloud in synagogue. Read more about Purim

This year Purim fell Sunday, March 5th and Monday, March 6th. Congregation Beth David in Saratoga welcomed the holiday with an in-door Purim Carnival on Sunday and an 80s-Themed Purimfest on Monday.

The Carnival featured a 17-foot tall, 30 foot long bounce house and opportunities to “dunk” Rabbi Nathan Roller, a chance that Rabbi Jaymee Alpert did not pass up! Over 100 young and young at heart individuals played carnival games, enjoyed a dance party, made groggers (a traditional noise maker) while noshing on pizza, popcorn, hamantaschen (triangular filled-pocket pastry) and ice cream. In a addition, Beth David Women and Men’s Group put together a silent auction featuring an array of items generously donated by local merchants, community members and Beth David Congregants.

The Purim celebration continued on Monday with Purimfest where they went back to the 80’s. Among the highlights was a Purim themed escape room. Only two groups managed to escape!

All is all is was a great holiday and a perfect way to lead into Passover preparations. See all images