Celebrate Purim with PJ Library and Our Partners!

Purim 2020/5781 begins on Thursday, February 25 (at sundown), and Jews will celebrate by hearing the megillah (the Book of Esther, which tells the story of Purim), dressing up, sharing gifts of food with friends (mishloach manot), giving to those in need (matanot l’evyonim), having a festive meal (seudah).  You can join a virtual community celebration or use our resources to create a celebration at home.

Jump to the section  you want:

• Purim Events
• Purim Resources
• Celebrating Purim with Your Grandchildren

Family-Friendly Purim Events

All activities follow social distancing guidelines. These programs are virtual unless otherwise noted.

Manna Food Drive—Purim Matanot L’evyonim

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 10:00 AM–Noon
B’nai Israel Parking Lot, 6301 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD

Donate to the Manna Food Drive on February 25th to help fulfill the mitzvah of giving tzedakah to those in need. There will be contactless drop off from your car at B’nai Israel.

Tot Purim

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 5:30–6:15 PM

Join Temple Shalom for a tot and family friendly Purim celebration! Come in costume and bring your groggers (noise makers) as we celebrate the joyful holiday of Purim!

Purim Spiel, Service, & Megillah Reading

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 6:30–8:00 PM

NETFLIX PURIM: There should be at least one show for everyone, no matter what your age is, during Netflix Purim at Temple Shalom! Dress as your favorite TV Character (from Daniel Tiger to the Office) and join us on the couch for a trip through your favorite shows past and present.  

Purim Puppet Production

Thursday, February 25–Friday, February 26

Celebrate Purim with Tikvat Israel!

Virtual Puppet Production: Thursday, 6:30 PM •Streaming
13 sock puppets will be used to tell the story of Purim. This production is sure to delight both young and young at heart audiences.

Ma’ariv and Full Megillah Reading: Thursday, 7:30 PM • Streaming

Purim Morning: Friday, 7:00 AM • contact the office for Zoom information
Service with full Megillah reading

Temple Emanuel’s Muppet Megillah Madness

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 6:30–8:00 PM

Don’t miss the musical madness of the Muppet-themed Purim Shpiel as we re-tell the story of the holiday!

 Ozni Haman: Cooking Class with Keshet!

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 7:30–8:30 PM

Join Keshet Berlinsky-Edri, the Shlicha of St. Paul Jewish Federation and the Life Online community Shlichim project to prepare a favorite recipe for Purim- with an Israeli twist!

In-Person Purim Parade at the J!

Friday, February 26, 11:30 AM
$15 per gift bag
Bender JCC, 6125 Montrose Road, N Bethesda

Join the Bender JCC in costume for an outdoor musical Purim parade, storytime, crafts, and a goodie bag.

Purim Carnival

Sunday, February 28, 2021, 9:30–11:00 AM

We will gather together virtually for a megillah reading, A Disney Princess Purim Spiel (created by our Amazing Teen Choir) and enjoy some of our favorite Purim Carnival games and competitions, as well as some new ones! Join us in costume and have your groggers ready for a joy filled Purim morning with Temple Shalom!

Drive-Thru Purim Carnival

Sunday, February 28, 12:30–2:30 PM
$20 per child

All the fun of our annual Washington Hebrew Purim Carnival made Covid-friendly and enjoyed in your car! Each child will receive their own “Purim Supply Kit” with individual game pieces (frisbees, ping pong balls, etc.) to use for the activities!

Family Hamantaschen Bake

Sunday, February 28, 3:30–4:15 PM

Go on a delectable journey and join Pozez JCC’s Growing Jewish Families as we make hamantaschen. We’ll show you how easy it is, whether you choose to make the dough from scratch or use store bought cookie dough. Recipes provided when you register. Fun for the whole family!

Celebrate Purim with Kol Ami

Sunday, February 28, 2021, 5:00–6:15 PM

We’ll be showing off our hamantashen and costumes, singing Purim songs, and enjoying a Purimspiel based on Hamilton. You will want to be in the room where it happens!

For a virtual megillah reading, check with your local synagogue!

• Congregation Olam Tikvah
• Temple Emanuel
• Temple Shalom
• Tikvat Israel Congregation

VIRTUAL BimBam Bag Purim
Purchase by February 17
$18/bag/child

Your local JCCs present a bagtastic and exciting opportunity to learn about Jewish customs and holidays through arts & crafts, stories, and discussions.

DC families sign up with the EDCJCC

MD families sign up with the Bender JCC

VA families sign up with the Pozez JCC

Sing-a-Long with the Hazzan for PURIM!
Sunday, February 21, 11:00-11:30 AM

Join Agudas Achim for a sing-along Purim celebration.

Purim Carnivirtual
Sunday, February 21, 4:30-5:30 PM
$10 per family; early bird $8/family (register by February 16)

Celebrate Purim as a family with a virtual carnival of games! We’ve invited Main Stages to lead an interactive “family game night.” Costumes optional. Most appreciated by ages 5-9.

back to top

Purim Resources

• “On Purim, We Share Stories of Bravery” by Sarah Rabin Spira (Washington Parent)
• PJ Library Holiday Hub: recipes, a kid-friendly version of the Purim story, costume ideas, book lists and more about the four mitzvot (commandments) of Purim
• Purim Ideas on Pinterest (costumes, recipes, stories and more)
• Watch “Princess of Persia: A Purim Story”
• Super-Easy Hamantaschen Recipes to Make with Kids