Purim Is Here!

BROOKLYN — It’s that time of the year. Purim’s here!

Coined the most “joyous date on the Jewish calendar,” festivities start just after 7:30 pm on Wednesday, March 20 when many will break a day-long fast. The holiday commemorates the 356 B.C.E. nullification of a Persian decree to exterminate Jewish people, as told by the Book of Esther. Fasting for the holiday begins at 5:33 am on March 20 and ends at 7:35 pm, the same day.

From Parisian-themed galas to live reptile shows, see how some are celebrating.

Northern Brooklyn

Williamsburg: YAASSS QUEEN ESTHER: Millennial Purim — Just in from South by Southwest, TechTribe cofounder Mordechai Lightstone is holding a Purim event in Northern Brooklyn. Come in costume or not and maybe catch some millennial pink swag.  Interested? Great. Pick your pleasure, there’s the “The Avocado,” The Me Me Me Generation,” and “The Influencer” level of ticket prices ranging from $18 to $23. Location: the Library Bar at the Williamsburg Hotel, start time is 7:30 pm. on March 20. Buy tickets here.

Bushwick: Royal Purim — Young Jewish Professionals are hosting a Purim party in Bushwick. Tickets range from $10 to $15 (purchased before 3/17 for early bird specials). Guests can expect open bar, music, Megillah reading, Hamantashen and a costume contest. The festivities start at 8:00 pm and end at 11:00 pm. on March 20. Buy tickets here.

Central Brooklyn

Crown Heights: Chabad Heights Purim promises “The Greatest Purim” during a child-friendly celebration on Thursday, March 21. Start time is 5:00 pm at the Alpha Space NY at 1467 Bedford Avenue. Kids get in for $15 and adults pay $25. Expect music, dancing, popcorn and cotton candy, a catered buffet and a Hamantash bake-off. Limited seating. Reservations required.

Can’t make the Thursday event? There’s an evening celebration, the day before. On Wednesday, March 20 at 7:35 pm. there will be a light break-fast and Megillah reading at 664 Sterling Place. No reservations required.

Ditmas Park/Kensington: It’s a red carpet event in this part of Central Brooklyn and you should dress like a star! Enjoy face painting, a paparazzi photo booth and arts and crafts and magicians at this child-friendly Purim party. Chabad Central Brooklyn will host the event where they’ll be presenting an interactive Megillah reading. The event is held at Dolaj Party Hall at 600 Coney Island Avenue and starts at 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 21. Children pay $10 and adults pay $18. Purchase tickets here.

Northwestern Brooklyn

DUMBO: Organizers, Chabad Young Professionals Brooklyn, are throwing several events and they’re calling this one “A Barnum style Purim party of epic proportions.” There’s carnival-style booths, a circus buffet and goodie bags. Tickets range from $25 (members only) to $180. Only adults in their 20s and 30s can attend. Even will be held at The DUMBO Loft at 155 Water St. Festivities start at 8:00 pm on March 20. You can RSVP here.

Park Slope:  This improv-themed Purim party is sure to get a chuckle or two. The “PURIMPROV” will feature artists from The PIT (People’s Only Theatre). Enjoy live improv, games and skits, with bare fare and cocktails. There’s a Megillah reading at 7:40 pm adn the part starts at after. Admission is $10 will be held at Congregation B’nai Jacob (CBJ) at 401 9th St. Buy tickets here.

Southern Brooklyn

Sea Gate: The Chabad of Seagate is going with an “Under Construction” themed Purim party. They’ll kick off the festivities with a large live reptile show on March 21 at the Kneses Israel Synagogue located at 3803 Nautilus Avenue. Expect face painting, an airbrush artist and dinner. Adults pay $15 for entry and children pay $10. For more info call 718.791.1288

Manhattan Beach Purim: Chabad of Manhattan Beach is going with a jungle-themed Purim party this year. The family-friendly event will be held on March 21 at 710 Shore Road. There’s a Megillah reading at 6:00 pm and the festivities will start at 6:45 pm. Expect dinner, open bar, arcade games, jungle virtual ride and a costume contest.  Purchase tickets here.

Brighton Beach: For those who want to jet out of the country for Purim (or just feel like you have) Chabad Neshama is hosting a Paris-themed Purim party. For $50 (children pay $20) enjoy cocktails and dinner at the Sea Breeze Catering Hall at 311 Sea Breeze Avenue around 6:45 pm on March 21. Megillah prayer starts at 6:00 pm. Buy tickets here.