It’s been a long pandemic year and The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah has a remedy for the worries and stress that have been on our minds since March 2020. The congregation’s new take on Purim includes COVID-friendly in-person and virtual events that focus on spreading joy and laughter for all ages.
Purim Comedy Night
Because laughter is the best medicine, B’nai Jehudah is Zooming in a few well-known comedians from New York City for it’s first-ever Purim adult comedy night beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. The Shabbat Oneg event features comedian Pamela Rae Schuller (BuzzFeed, SiriusXM) and friends Joe Larson (“America’s Got Talent” and “Babies Behaving Badly”), Matthew Broussard (“The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “Conan” and Comedy Central) and Robyn Fox (Nickelodeon and “Ladies of Laughter”).
“We realized there was no better time to come together, put our cares aside, and enjoy life for a while, with the help of some top-tier stand-up comics. We know Purim is traditionally a family favorite at B’nai Jehudah, and we wanted to expand the opportunities for all ages. We invite adults to sit back and get ready for some fun,” said Rabbi Sarah Smiley.
Purim CARnival
Purim CARnival will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, in the B’nai Jehudah parking lot (weather permitting).
B’nai Jehudah’s Purim carnival is a long-standing favorite with kids of all ages. This year, families can still partake in the fun, from the comfort of their vehicles. Based on a solid foundation from the congregation’s three other successful drive-through events (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah), B’nai Jehudah’s religious school, in partnership with Brotherhood, Sisterhood and The Michael Klein Collection, is taking on yet another fun parking lot experience for the whole congregation.
During the drive through-event, costumes for cars and people are encouraged, with prizes being awarded for the best CARstumes and costumes. Visitors can learn from a bit of the Megillah, enjoy fun and entertaining games, donate food to the JFS Food Pantry, get Mishloach Manot (based on availability) and more. All B’nai Jehudah families are strongly encouraged to register for the CARnival, to ensure enough Mishloach Manot for every family. Non-members may receive Mishloach Manot on a first-come-first-served basis.
“We know our families have been under a great deal of stress this past year, and we want them to have fun and feel a little carefree this Purim. Plus, we love to see their faces in person,” said Dayna Gerson, director of formal and informal education at B’nai Jehudah.
More Purim Events
In addition to the headline events listed above, B’nai Jehudah also has two more Purim-focused opportunities. Join educator/curator Abby Magariel for a virtual tour of Purim objects from the Michael Klein Collection at B’nai Jehudah at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, via Zoom. Participants have the opportunity for an up-close look as they learn the secrets behind the Klein Collection objects on display. This is a great opportunity for art lovers, or those who want to enrich their own understanding of Jewish traditions and expand their minds. Celebrating Purim is part of a monthly tour series, called Collection Connection.
B’nai Jehudah Religious School students are invited to join Emily Williams for silly games, a Megillah reading and Purim joy through Purim Online. These online events will be 1-1:45 p.m. for grades K-3; 2:30-3:30 p.m. for grades 4-6; and 7-8 p.m. for grades 7-12, all on Sunday, Feb. 28, via Zoom.
All of B’nai Jehudah’s Purim events require pre-registration. For more information, and registration links, go to www.bnaijehudah.org/purim2021/.
