Local Purim Celebrations Feature Megillah Readings

Purim, the holiday that celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people by Queen Esther and her uncle, Mordechai, from a decree by the evil prime minister Haman in ancient Persia, begins at sunset Wednesday. 

The festivities include a public reading of the Megillah, or the Book of Esther, prayers, charity donations, gift-giving, costumes and special foods.

Here is a list of local celebrations in Livingston:

• Congregation Etz Chaim, 1 Lafayette Drive, will hold morning and evening Megillah readings today, followed by a wine sale. For more information, call (973) 597-1655.

• The Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center, 85 W. Mount Pleasant Ave., will hold a Fast of Esther and morning prayers starting at 5 a.m. today. The fast will last until 6:29 p.m. There will be afternoon prayers and a reading of the Megillah in the late afternoon, followed by a youth department Purim party after the fast. Morning prayers and a reading of the Megillah will also be held on Thursday starting at 6 a.m. For more information, call (973) 994-2620 or (973) 994-0122.

• Temple Beth Shalom, 193 E. Mount Pleasant Ave., will hold a Megillah reading 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, followed by the Temple Beth Shalom Through the Decades musical revue at 8 p.m. A Purim carnival will take place 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 18. Tickets are $10. To volunteer for the carnival, e-mail marcydakks@yahoo.com. For more information, call (973) 992-3600.

• Temple B'nai Abraham, 300 E. Northfield Road, will hold a tot Purim service and pizza dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will hold a Megillah reading and the student Purim shpiel "The MeGLEElah According to TBA" at 7 p.m. For more information, call (973) 994-2290.

• Temple Emanu-El of West Essex, 264 W. Northfield Road, will hold two Purim sphiel performances of "The Wizard of Oyz" — 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and 9:45 a.m. Sunday. The events will feature Megillah readings and Hamantaschen. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and to bring a box of pasta as a noisemaker and food bank donation. There will also be a Purim carnival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets to the carnival are $8. For more information, call (973) 992-5560.

• Beth Messiah Congregation, 15 N. Livingston Ave., will hold Purim service 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Attendees are invited to dress up as Biblical characters, bring noisemakers and enjoy Hamantaschen. For more information, call (973) 994-4431.