Purim
Purim at Beth El is a joyful celebration. Our Purim activities include our very popular Nitzanim Purim Spiel and our annual “Megillah Madness” celebration — which was even once mentioned on an episode of the hit television show The West Wing.
Purim 5785
Wednesday, March 5
9:30-11:00 am: Maimonides Insights Into Purim and Peoplehood. Join Rabbi Harris’s weekly Wednesday morning class in the Zahler Social Hall for a special Purim-themed study session. No need to RSVP.
Thursday, March 6
11:45 am-1:00 pm: Dor L’Dor. All Beth El members, especially those age 55 and older, are invited to join Beth El Preschool (BEPS) students for lunch and Purim bingo. RSVP at bethelmc.org/dor-ldor-0306.
7:00-9:30 pm: Vashti’s Banquet. Celebrate Purim with the Women of Beth El in a unique and exciting way at Vashti’s Banquet. Recapture the fun and sisterhood that must have surrounded Vashti and her companions at her last banquet with food, music, and special activities. The evening will include dinner, a tikkun olam project/collection, a henna artist, and Israeli dancing. Harem pants encouraged. Register at bethelmc.org/vashti-0306 by March 4.
Friday, March 7
6:00 pm: Purim Shabbat with BEPS and Nitzanim. Put on your Purim costumes and join us for Purim-themed Shabbat. Shabbat songs and prayers, along with a few Purim songs, will be followed by dinner and dessert. RSVP at bethelmc.org/family-shabbat-0307 by March 5.
Sunday, March 9
4:15 pm: Purim Celebration. Join the Beth El community for a crazy night of Purim celebration. The afternoon begins with a Story Time appropriate for families with young children ages birth to six years old.
4:45 pm: Annual Purim Carnival. There will be plenty of fun for families of all ages, including games, crafts, inflatables, and more. Dinner will be available for all families registered to attend the carnival; the cost is $25 for Beth El families and $32 for non-member families. RSVP at bethelmc.org/purim-carnival.
Please note that at least one adult must accompany children for all Purim activities.
6:30 pm: Megillah Madness – How Purim Got Its Groove Back: Reclaiming Jewish Joy. Join us for Megillah Madness, our ever-popular Purim spiel. This year’s celebration features songs of empowerment by artists such as P!nk, Chaka Kan, George Michael, Lady Gaga, Elton John, and more. With performances by Hazzan Fradkin, Shir Atid, Gesher Chorale, the Beth El Chamber Choir, and star soloists from our community, it’s an evening you won’t want to miss! Visit tinyurl.com/mmplaylist2025 for a playlist of songs that will be featured in this year’s production.
Thursday, March 13
8:00 pm: Ma’ariv and The Whole Megillah. Join us as Minyan Chaverim leads Ma’ariv and The Whole Megillah. This freilach and communal service is led by knowledgeable readers who like to bring some zaniness to the Megillah experience by adding character voices and other inventions to the reading. Everyone is invited to join in the fun!
Friday, March 14
7:30 am: Morning Minyan with Megillah Reading. Morning minyan on Sunday, March 24, will also include a full reading of the Megillah. Because the minyan includes the Megillah reading, it will be a slightly longer minyan, approximately one and a half hours.
Past Purim Programs
Below are a selection of program guides from past Megillah Madness celebrations. Click on each link to open a PDF in a new window.