SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Chairs were cleared from the sanctuary of Temple Emanu-El on Sunday, March 5, and the space was converted into a carnival to celebrate one day in advance the Jewish dress-up day of Purim. The holiday celebrates Queen Esther’s foiling of the evil Haman’s plot against the Jews of Persia.
Numerous games, prizes, and food, including an $18 box of a dozen hamantaschen, attracted the attention of hundreds of children and adults, who enjoyed the merrymaking.
This year Purim begins at sundown Monday, March 6, and concludes at sundown Tuesday, March 7. Traditionally, the Book of Esther, known as the Megillah, will be read in Jewish congregations around the world. Many congregations also will have purimshpiels, during which the story of King Ahashuerus, Queen Esther, her uncle Mordechai, and the evil vizier Haman are retold in light-hearted fashion in modern words and song.
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San Diego Jewish World staff report.