Break out the aprons and dust off the rolling pins – it’s getting close to Purim, time for reading the Megillah and making hamantaschen.
Each of Nashville’s five congregations has a host of activities on tap for this festive holiday. Here’s what’s in store, but check with your congregation for information on reservations and any fees.
Chabad of Nashville holds the traditional reading of the Megillah – complete with Haman booing and hamantaschen for all – at 6:30 p.m. on Wed., March 7. The next day, Thurs., March 8, people can celebrate Purim under the big top, a circus-themed festival including magician, food and gifts that starts at 5 p.m.
Congregation Micah begins Purim celebrations on Wed., March 7, with the reading of the Megillah at 6 p.m. Shushan Purim will be marked at evening services at 7:30 p.m. on Fri., March 9. There’s a special study session on the Secret Scroll of Esther on the morning of Sat., March 10, with Micah’s Bagels, Love, and Torah study group. At 9:30 a.m. on Sun., March 11, there will be religious school and Purim Shpiel, followed at 11:30 a.m. by Micah’s annual Purim Carnival hosted by the temple’s teen youth group, MiTY.
Congregation Sherith Israel will hold the traditional Megillah reading at 6:30 p.m. on Wed., March 7, with dessert to follow. On Thurs., March 8, the Megillah will be read at 4 p.m., followed by the Sisterhood’s Purim Festival. Reservations are required for the Purim festival; call the shul office for reservations. Adults are encouraged to wear costumes and vie for cash prizes.
The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom begins its Purim celebrations on Fri., March 9, with a pre-service oneg with Mordechai martinis and Purim punch. A service and congregational dinner will follow, along with strolling magician and balloon animals.
An adults-only party is set for Sat., March 10, with drinks, desserts, silent auction and magic and hypnosis. There’s a Purim Carnival on Sun., March 11, featuring a magician, pony rides, a climbing wall, food trucks, booths, games and silent auction. There’s a charge for the carnival.
Temple preschoolers will enjoy a Purim carnival on Mon., March 12.
West End Synagogue holds a Purim Celebration for families with young children on Wed., March 7, at 5:30 p.m.
A Purim celebration for all will begin at 6:30 p.m, in the Main Sanctuary, which includes the Megillah reading and also a performance of an Israeli dance by the k-3rd graders. At 7:30 p.m dinner for the congregation, catered by Bobbi Limor, will be in the Social Hall along with the WES Cabaret & USY Shushan Casino (for Tzedakah). There is a cost for the dinner and caberet. Call the synagogue office for information and reservation, 269-4592 or go to www.westendsyn.org.