Family Purim Carnival

Join us in costume for a classic Purim celebration. Families will journey through the world of Esther and Mordechai while fulfilling the four mitzvot of Purim through hands-on activities: hearing the Megillah, sharing gifts with friends, giving tzedakah to those in need, and enjoying a festive meal together. Enjoy carnival-style games, crafts, and delicious treats as we celebrate with joy, meaning, and community.

Come ready to shake your grogger and celebrate together! Costumes encouraged.

Event Schedule at a Glance

3:45–4:45 PM | Family Purim Carnival for Nursery School and Young Families
Our youngest families begin the celebration with a Purim carnival designed just for Young Families and Nursery School children, full of age-appropriate games, crafts, and festive fun.

5:00–5:30 PM | Megillah Reading and Schpiel for All Ages
All families come together for a lively, 30-minute Megillah reading and schpiel by our Emanu-El Theatre Company, bringing the Purim story to life in a joyful, engaging way.

5:30 PM–6:30 PM | Family Purim Carnival for Religious School Families
After the schpiel, the carnival reopens for Religious School families and children ages 5 and older, with all activity stations, food, games, and Purim collecting in full swing.

What to Expect

Throughout the evening, families will explore carnival-style activity stations, each tied to a Purim mitzvah or tradition. Children will collect traditional Purim items as they play, creating their own festive set of holiday treasures.

Activities will include:

• Carnival games with prizes like groggers, candy, and masks
• Craft stations to decorate and personalize masks and accessories
• Mishloach Manot making gifts to share with friends
• Matanot l’evyonim projects, including collecting gently used costumes for donation, and assembling care packages that will support people in need through Temple Emanu-El’s community programs
• Costume fun and opportunities to dress up to celebrate the Purim story

We will serve a festive dinner, including hamantaschen and Purim treats. Our meal is allergy-aware, and gluten-free options will be available to ensure everyone can celebrate safely.

Come in costume, ready to shake your groggers and celebrate Purim with joy, meaning, and community.