This Weekend: Two Purim Celebrations In Our Community
This weekend, our area will play host to two Purim celebrations for the entire community. Purim, oftentimes (and erroneously) referred to as the “Jewish Halloween,” tells the story of Esther, the Jewish Queen of Persian, who heroically foiled the plans of the wicked royal henchman, Haman — after whom the delicious hamantashen cookie is named — to murder all of the Jews of ancient Persia.
Congregation Israel of Kings Bay
Congregation Israel of Kings Bay invites area residents to hear a reading of Megillat Esther — the biblical “Book of Esther” (also known as “The Megillah,” the Hebrew word for scroll, upon which the Megillah is printed), immediately following Shabbat on Saturday night, February 23 at 6:45 p.m. (Shabbat ends at 6:20 p.m.)
Following the Megillah reading, there will be a Purim costume party for all ages at 7:30 p.m. There will be Hamantashen, groggers (noise-makers), Purim bags, prizes, a raffle and more. The following morning, on Purim Day, February 24, there will be a second Megillah reading at the synagogue at 8:30 a.m.
Congregation Israel of Kings Bay is located at 3903 Nostrand Avenue on the corner of Voorhies Avenue. For more information, call the synagogue at (718) 934-5176 or email Rabbi Winner at rabbiyw@yahoo.com.
The Kings Bay YM-YWHA
The Kings Bay YM-YWHA invites the entire community to its Annual Purim Carnival on Sunday, February 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The entire day will be filled with festivities for all ages, as the community gathers to sing, dance and celebrate this joyous day.
The celebration will feature exciting activities for the entire family. Children will enjoy rides, sand art, face painting, Purim-themed arts and crafts, carnival games and a costume contest. Free hamentashen cookies and raffle prizes will be awarded.
This Purim celebration is anticipated to be the largest in Sheepshead Bay.
The Kings Bay Y is located at 3495 Nostrand Avenue between Avenues U and V. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Alina Plotkina at (718) 648-7703 extension 224, email info@kingsbayy.org or go to www.kingsbayy.org.