All are welcome to join Temple Beth-El of Great Neck for a variety of Purim events for people of all ages — from a virtual Purim Costume Parade to a Family Purim Megillah Reading to a Purim Parking Lot Experience to A Purim Yoga Event.
Purim is a joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who were marked for death by their Persian rulers in the fifth century BCE. This year, the holiday begins at sundown on Thursday, Feb. 25, and concludes at sundown on Friday, Feb. 26.
Don’t miss these fun-filled events:
• Purim Costume Parade
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Families with children in preschool through Grade 3 can attend an Erev Purim pre-Megillah reading Zoom Costume Parade!
• Come in your favorite costume—or fun pajamas.
• Share a trick, joke or dance.
• Sing some silly songs with Cantor Adam.
• Make a grogger by bringing dry beans, two paper plates, markers and a stapler.
• Family Purim Megillah Reading
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 7 p.m.
After the Purim Costume Parade, join a family-friendly Zoom Megillah reading—offered with flare—by TBE clergy and an intergenerational group of talented members. Bring your grogger and prepare to laugh, boo and reflect upon the meaning of the Purim tale for us today.
• Purim Parking Lot Experience
Saturday, Feb. 27 | 5:15 p.m.
Join a special Saturday night Purim celebration in the TBE parking lot. Individuals and families in costumes and decorated cars, along with those at “home-ntaschen,” will be featured in the “Zoom-asquerade.”
• Arrive masked, prepared to show off your wildest costume in your headlights—as you munch on hamantaschen and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
• In-person attendees will be invited to “car-ticipate” in a Purim shpiel by the dashboard lights on Zoom, led by Rabbi Meir and Cantor Adam.
• “Home-ntaschen” attendees may also participate on Zoom.
• The evening and Purim will end with Havdalah.
• Bring canned goods and nonperishable food items (check expiration dates!) for contribution to Great Neck’s Interfaith Food Pantry to fulfill the Purim custom of Matanot L’evyonim (gifts to the needy).
• Preregistration is required.
• Laughter & Survival in a World Turned Upside Down: A Purim Yoga Event
Sunday, Feb. 28 | 10-11:15 a.m.
Lev Shalem Health & Wellness and Temple Beth-El of Great Neck will present a live Zoom yoga event with Sharon, Elanit and Rabbi Tara. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Come with an open heart and mind. The fee is $18; FREE for Temple Beth-El members.
Register by Saturday, February 27, at 9 p.m. at https://tbegn.wufoo.com/forms/m1kgk3od080f8ah/. The Zoom link will be sent with your completed registration.
Temple Beth-El is Great Neck’s oldest synagogue, serving the community for more than 90 years. Learn more at www.tbegreatneck.org or by calling 516-487-0900 or emailing info@tbegreatneck.org.
