The Alternative Press

Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains will hold “Purim Palooza,” a family Purim celebration, on Sunday, February 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The event is free and open to the community. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, as is customary during the Jewish holiday of Purim.

 Families are invited to a kid-friendly Purim service starting at 9:30 a.m.  The Megillah, the Book of Esther traditionally read on Purim, will be read in an abbreviated form to appeal to children. (The Megillah will be read in its entirety at Purim services on Saturday evening, February 23, at 8:00 p.m.)

A Purim carnival will follow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The carnival will feature a bouncy house, games, food, and prizes.  There will also be a costume parade.

“Purim Palooza is a fun way for Jewish families in the community to celebrate the holiday of Purim and, at the same time, to see what it is like at our synagogue and our Religious School,” said Elly Bauman, Education Director of Congregation Beth Israel. 

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, cultural, educational and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns.  Its award-winning Religious School offers classes from pre-school through 12^th grade, as well as special needs instruction.  Synagogue membership is not required for programs through second grade.

For more information, contact the synagogue office at (908) 889-1830. Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ  (corner of Martine Avenue).