Purim a time to dress up and let go
By Rachel Gross Weinstein

Purim is considered to be one of the most enjoyable and fun Jewish holidays, as it commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. It signifies a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival.
Purim, which begins at sundown Saturday, is similar to Halloween in that it has become a holiday that’s celebrated in America and features dressing up and eating sweets. But the two have very different meanings.

More than 500 people from all backgrounds attended Jewish Education Texas’ inaugural Purimpalooza Feb. 17 at Ann and Nate Levine Academy. Rides, attractions, carnival games, food, face painting and a DJ made the event fun for children and adults, as shown in the photos, in which children lined up for rides and enjoyed activities such as pumping up a balloon. Many people inquired about what JET does as an organization and learned its programs and events are geared toward families. | Photos: Tzvi Meltzer
More than 500 people from all backgrounds attended Jewish Education Texas’ inaugural Purimpalooza Feb. 17 at Ann and Nate Levine Academy. Rides, attractions, carnival games, food, face painting and a DJ made the event fun for children and adults, as shown in the photos, in which children lined up for rides and enjoyed activities such as pumping up a balloon. Many people inquired about what JET does as an organization and learned its programs and events are geared toward families. | Photos: Tzvi Meltzer

“Dressing up is part of what makes Purim so special,” said Rabbi Ben Sternman of Congregation Adat Chaverim in Plano. “The whole idea in the book of Esther is the hiddenness of her identity where she comes out and says, ‘Yes, I am part of the Jewish people and I’m saving them.’ God’s name is not mentioned in the Book of Esther either, so dressing up equates to concealing our identities as well.”
On Halloween, we ask people for candy, while Purim sees us making hamantaschen and offering people shalach manot baskets, he added.
Children like Halloween because they get to eat candy and dress up, and Purim can be just like that or even better, according to Congregation Shearith Israel associate Rabbi David Singer. Letting loose, dressing up and having fun is what makes Purim unique and something everyone can enjoy, he said.
“Purim is about celebrating all that is great about being Jewish,” Singer said. “By dressing up, we hide ourselves and the concerns of the day and enter into the world of fantasy. It’s a time to become someone else and pretending we can be royalty, just like Esther did. It’s a way of letting go. We need a time to let go, and that’s what Purim is about.
“If we make Purim just about going to synagogue to hear the Megillah read, we lose that point. It’s about celebrating a great moment in history and integrating that into our lives.”
Purim is one month and one day before Passover, Singer said, so it’s also seen as a way to have fun before celebrating a holiday that is much more serious.
A more religious reason people dress up for Purim deals with the fact that God was hiding himself in the story of Esther and we hide behind our customers, said Rabbi Menachem Block of Chabad of Plano/Collin County. By having the Jewish people dress up, it also allows God to dress up, he said.
“The function of a costume is to conceal and hide the person who is in it. That in essence, is the story of Purim because God was hiding and conceals himself,” he said. “God concealed himself and the Jewish people needed to overcome that challenge. Instead of rejecting him, the exact opposite happened. People gathered together to fast, pray and the miracle happened.”
More than 500 people from all backgrounds attended Jewish Education Texas’ inaugural Purimpalooza Feb. 17 at Ann and Nate Levine Academy. Rides, attractions, carnival games, food, face painting and a DJ made the event fun for children and adults, as shown in the photos, in which children lined up for rides and enjoyed activities such as pumping up a balloon. Many people inquired about what JET does as an organization and learned its programs and events are geared toward families. | Photos: Tzvi Meltzer

Drink responsibly on Purim

Purim is a time when we are commanded to eat, drink and be merry. A person is required to drink until they cannot tell the difference between Haman and Mordechai, according to the Talmud.
Various Purim celebrations around town this weekend have open bars, and the best way to enjoy the holiday and still have fun is to be conscious of how much you drink.
The best thing to do is exercise caution when drinking, just as you would while going out and having drinks with friends, said Rabbi Ben Sternman of Congregation Adat Chaverim.
“Drinking is part of the holiday, but drinking to the point of harming ourselves is forbidden in Judaism,” he said. “Everyone should have fun and enjoy themselves, but still be cautious when drinking on Purim.”
— Rachel Gross Weinstein

Purim events in the Metroplex

SAT., FEB. 23

Purimpalooza
4 p.m.
The event will begin with children’s activities such as mask and jewelry making, soccer kick, Haman can toss and a duck pond. An adults-only wine and cheese reception with comedy by Ed Brant will follow. The evening will conclude with a free congregational dinner and “A Very Disney Purim” shpiel with the story of Esther told through the music of Disney productions.
Info: Debbie Massarano, 972-661-1362, dmassarano@templeshalomdallas.org
Temple Shalom
6920 Alpha Road, Dallas
Adat Chaverim Purim Extravaganza
5 p.m.
A Megillah reading will be followed by a pasta and salad dinner and “When you Wish Upon a Shpiel” Purim story. Cost for dinner is $10 for adults, $5 per children or $30 maximum for families. Reservation required for dinner and payment is registration.
Info/RSVP: 972-491-5917
Congregation Adat Chaverim
6300 Independence Pkwy., Plano
Movie and Megillah Reading
5:30 p.m.
Congregation Ner Tamid will have an evening with the movie “Queen Esther,” followed by Havdallah and Megillah reading. Participants are asked to bring their own dairy dinner. Event will take place at home of Cantor Patti Turner; please call for address.
Info: 972-416-9738, www.congregationnertamid.org
Private Residence
CBS Players Performance
6 p.m., dinner; 7 p.m., show
Hear the story of Esther through the voice of the “Real King.” A Memphis-style barbecue dinner will be served. Presented by the Congregation Beth Shalom Players. RSVP is required.
Info/RSVP: Thressa, 817-860-5448, www.bethshalom.org
Congregation Beth Shalom
1212 Thannisch Drive, Arlington
Second Annual Purim Extravaganza
6 p.m.
The evening will include a parade and costume contest, an original Purim shpiel starring religious school students and adults, hamantaschen and more. Event is free and open to the community.
Info: 817-731-4721
Congregation Ahavath Sholom
4050 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth
Purim at Tiferet
6:45 p.m.
Join Tiferet Israel for a Megillah reading, followed by a Purim carnival that will include a children’s costume parade, bounce house, obstacle course, face painter, Israeli music and hamantaschen. There will be beverages, nosh and live entertainment available for adults as well in Vashti’s Lounge.
Info: Sarah Moore, 214-691-3611, sarah@tiferetdallas.org
Tiferet Israel Congregation
10909 Hillcrest Road, Dallas
Adult Purim Party
7 – 11 p.m.
Costumes are optional for this adults-only Purim party that will include a catered dinner, dancing to the music of The Schmaltzy Three, comedy and more. Cost is $15 per person and baby-sitting will be provided. Guests are asked to BYOB and bring a donation for the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Reservations are required.
Info/RSVP: 817-332-7141, www.bethelfw.org
Beth-El Congregation
4900 Briarhaven Road, Fort Worth
Purim celebration
7 p.m.
There will be an evening service and Megillah reading, followed by a reception with a children’s costume parade and entertainment. A program by Mad Science will include the Purim story, magic, science tricks, hamantaschen and groggers. Event is free and open to the community.
Info: 972-618-2200, www.nishmatam.org
Congregation Nishmat Am
2113 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano
Purim Extravaganza
7 p.m.
Congregation Shearith Israel will host an adult Purim celebration with a Megillah reading, a performance by Locked Out Comedy, entertainment by R and R Band, food and drinks. A movie will also be provided for children ages 4-10.
Info: 214-361-6606
Congregation Shearith Israel
9401 Douglas Ave., Dallas
Rock and Roll Purim
7 p.m.
Dinner will be followed by a musical shpiel and an evening of classic rock. Cost is $10 per person and costumes are encouraged. Evening is geared for adults.
Info: 817-581-5500, www.congregationbethisrael.org
Congregation Beth Israel
6100 Pleasant Run Road, Colleyville
Purim Celebration
7 p.m.
The event will begin with Havdallah, followed by the Megillah reading, a “song of Purim” parody and adult karaoke with food and drinks. Babysitting will be available.
Info: 972-234-1542
Congregation Beth Torah
720 W. Lookout Drive, Richardson
Saturday Night Live
7:45 p.m.
Adults in the community are invited to celebrate Purim with wine and sushi, a Megillah reading and entertainment. Cost is $20 per person and sponsorships are available. Event is presented by the Chabad Jewish Center of DFW-Mid Cities.
Info: 817-451-1171, www.arlingtonchabad.org
Chabad of Arlington
2136 Lindblad Ct., Arlington
Congregation Anshai Torah’s Adult Purim Party
8 – 11 p.m.
The theme for this third annual event is “Super Purim,” and guests are asked to dress up like their favorite super hero. Cost is $12 per person for Hazak members and $18 per person for others. RSVP required.
Info/RSVP: Debbie Butvin, 972-473-7718, debbie.butvin@anshaitorah.org
Congregation Anshai Torah
5501 W. Parker Road, Plano
Megillah Reading and Persian Feast
8 p.m.
The Sephardic Torah Center of Dallas will host its second annual Purim event. Guests are asked to come in costume and there will be prizes for the best one. Cost for dinner is $10 per adult and $5 per child ages 4-10. RSVP is required.
Info/RSVP: Rabbi Zecharia Sionit, 917-678-0385, stcd.reservations@gmail.com
Sephardic Torah Center of Dallas
6715 Levelland Road, Dallas
Young Adults Purim ‘Bomb’
8 p.m.
Join the Temple Emanu-El Young Adults group for a Purim celebration with sushi and karaoke. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for best karaoke, geisha and samurai. Cost is $15 in advance and $25 at the door and that price includes sushi, karaoke and an open bar.
Info: Mimi Zimmerman, 214-706-0000, mzimmerman@tedallas.org
Orange Bar and Naan Sushi
2600 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas
‘Like Totally Purim’
9:30 p.m.
The Intown Chabad will host its eighth annual Purim party. The event this year is ’80s themed and ’80s cover band The Spazmatics, will provide entertainment. Guests are asked to dressed in ’80s gear. The evening will also include interactive Megillah readings and an open bar. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $45 at the door; VIP tickets are also available of $45 in advance and $65 at the door.
Info: Rabbi Zvi Drizin, 214-810-6770, http://www.eventbee.com/v/spazmaticspurim
West End Event Center
2019 N. Lamar St., Dallas
Purim: A Super Celebration
10 p.m.
Come dressed as your favorite superhero for an evening with Makom, the young adults group of Congregation Shearith Israel. There will be an open bar and music by Alex and Mike Molayem. Advance tickets are $25 and $35 at the door.
Info: Rabbi David Singer, 214-361-6606, www.makomdallas.com
House of Blues
2200 N. Lamar St., Dallas

SUN., FEB. 24

Purim at Tiferet
8 a.m.
Tiferet Israel will have a Megillah reading, followed by a Purim carnival that will include a children’s costume parade, bounce house, obstacle course, face painter, Israeli music and hamantaschen. There will be beverages, nosh and live entertainment available for adults as well in Vashti’s Lounge.
Info: Sarah Moore, 214-691-3611, sarah@tiferetdallas.org
Tiferet Israel Congregation
10909 Hillcrest Road, Dallas
Purim Celebration
8:30 a.m.
The celebration will kick off with minyan and a Megillah reading, followed by a Purim shpiel and carnival. Race to Shushan, knock down the Hamanyata, make Queen Esther some jewelry and many more games and crafts.
Info: 972-234-1542
Congregation Beth Torah
720 W. Lookout Drive, Richardson
Purim Family Extravaganza
9 a.m.
Activities for the day include a traditional and interactive Megillah reading, a petting zoo, face painting, a game truck arcade and a family concert with R and R band. Hot dogs, hamantaschen and drinks will also be served.
Info: Suzanne Minc, 214-361-6606, sminc@shearith.org
Congregation Shearith Israel
9401 Douglas Ave., Dallas
Purim Celebration
9:30 a.m.
A PowerPoint Megillah reading and children’s activities will highlight the morning. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume.
Info: 972-539-1938
Congregation Kol Ami
1887 Timber Creek Road, Flower Mound
Purim Shpiel and Carnival
10 a.m.
The Purim Shpiel will kick off the morning, followed by the carnival that will feature games, bounce houses and food; everyone is encouraged to come in costume. Cost is $10 for non-member religious school students. Those who are members get in for free, plus 15 game tickets. Hot dogs, beverages and chips will be available for purchase during this event.
Info: 972-491-5917
Congregation Adat Chaverim
6300 Independence Pkwy., Plano
‘The Wizard of Oyz’
11 a.m.
Celebration will include a congregational lunch, adult Purim brunch and children’s carnival games and face painting. Cost for the lunch is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and younger; brunch, which includes mimosas, is $15 per person. Registration required for both events.
Info/Registration: Carolyne Ojwang, 214-706-0000, www.tedallas.org/purim
Temple Emanu-El
8500 Hillcrest Road, Dallas
iVolunteer Purim
Noon
Young professionals will join for a Megillah reading and brunch, then deliver mishloach manot packages to a Holocaust survivor or elderly in the community. Event is free.
Info: Ilana Weltman, ilana@iVolunteerDallas.org
Intown Chabad
2723 Routh St., Dallas
Hunt for Haman Community Purim Carnival
12:30 – 3 p.m.
Carnival will feature bounce houses, ponies, face painting and much more. A lunch of a hot dog or black bean burger with fries and a drink is available for $5. Carnival tickets are 25 cents each, or 25 tickets for $5. Event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial assistance from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School supporting foundation and supported by Beth-El Congregation, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom and Chabad of Fort Worth/Tarrant County.
Info: 817-569-0892
Beth-El Congregation
4900 Briarhaven Road, Fort Worth
Purim in Italy
4 – 6 p.m.
Events for children include a Megillah reading, “learning tower of pizza” contest, and mishloach manot baskets, and separate Megillah reading, wine bar, Italian dinner and mad science show will be available for adults. Event is free, but RSVP is required.
Info/RSVP: 972-596-8270, www.chabadplano.org
Chabad of Plano
3904 W. Park Blvd., Plano
Purim Masquerade
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join DATA of Plano for a Texas-style dinner, games, face painting, a children’s costume parade, adult costume competition and more. Cost is $25 per adult and $7 per child in advance and $30 per adult and $9 per child at the door; guests are asked to BYOB.
Info: Rabbi Nasanya Zakon, 917-270-2990, nzakon@dataofplano.org, or Rabbi Yogi Robkin, 214-422-6140
DATA of Plano
3251 Independence Pkwy., Plano
Purim Seudah
4:30 p.m.
Tiferet Israel will have its annual Purim Persian feast. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children under 13 and free for children under 3; $40 maximum for immediate family. RSVP required.
Info/RSVP: Sarah Moore, 214-691-3611, sarah@tiferetdallas.org
Tiferet Israel Congregation
10909 Hillcrest Road, Dallas
Grand Purim Feast
5 p.m.
The event will feature food, a Megillah reading and a masquerade. Cost is $18 per adult and $10 for children; sponsorships are also available. Registration required.
Info/Registration: 817-451-1171, www.arlingtonchabad.org
Chabad of Arlington
2136 Lindblad Ct., Arlington
Purim in the Jungle
5 p.m.
Chabad of Dallas will have a Megillah reading, Purim jungle feast and special jungle show. Prizes will be awarded to those dressed in costumes. Cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children; sponsorships are available. RSVP required.
Info/RSVP: 972-818-0770, www.chabadofdallas.com/purim
Chabad of Dallas
6710 Levelland Road, Dallas
Purim Feast a la Korean
5 p.m.
Chabad of Fort Worth will host a Korean-style dinner prepared by chef Shinran Blostein. Cost is $18 for adults and $9 for children. RSVP required.
Info/RSVP: 817-263-7701, rabbi@chabadfortworth.com
Chabad of Fort Worth
5659 Woodway Drive, Fort Worth
Purim Seudah
5 p.m.
Congregation Nishmat Am will have a Purim dinner for the entire family. Cost is $18 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-16 and children ages 1-5 are free. Seating is limited, so RSVP is required.
Info/RSVP: 972-618-2200, www.nishmatam.org
Congregation Nishmat Am
2113 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano
Purim Seudah
5 p.m.
Dinner will be followed by a concert for children with musical guest Howie Kahn. Event is open to the community, please call for price and reservations.
Info/RSVP: Lisa Zelenetz, 972-661-0127
Congregation Shaare Tefilla
6131 Churchill Way, Dallas

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