Purim Carnival and More begins tonight at Congregation B'nai Israel in Rumson

Looking for a place to celebrate Purim, the most enjoyable of all Jewish holidays? Put on a costume or mask, grab a noisemaker and head to Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI) in Rumson. Family, friends and neighbors are all welcome to join in the Purim fun.
            On Saturday evening, March 15, 2014 at 7:30 pm, Rabbi Jeff Sultar and Cantor Dov Goldberg will be leading a full Purim Service and Megillah Reading. Rabbi Sultar explained, “everyone is welcome to come to this service, and being Purim, it will feature costumes and silliness but it will not specifically be a family service.”
             On Sunday morning, March 16, 2014, the synagogue will host “family friendly” Purim events.  At 9 am, there will be a Purimpalooza during which time kids and their parents or grandparents will have a chance to fulfill three of the four Mitzvot of Purim, including giving tzedakah to those in need, giving gifts of food to family and friends and partaking in a festive meal. 
            At 10 am, there will be a “Despicable Purim Family Service,” inspired by the movie Despicable Me and featuring two “minions” on the bimah.   This “kid-friendly” service will include an abbreviated reading of the Megillah and a costume parade. 
            Then, from 11 am to 2 pm, the synagogue youth department will be hosting CBI’s Annual Purim Carnival, which will include carnival games, inflatable jumpys (one for preschoolers and one for older children), LEGO Bricks4Kids, new sports games, face painting and a gift auction.  
            Tickets for games, inflatable rides and the gift auction can be purchased at the door. The money raised from the gift auction will be donated to a charity selected by CBI’s Youth Department. As always, there will be hamantaschen, popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones, goldfish and other fun prizes.  Everyone’s favorite magician, Ross Bernstein, “the Magic Man,” will be performing.  
            Purim, a festival recorded in the biblical book of Esther, commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people living in the ancient Persian Empire from a plot by Haman, an evil ruler, to destroy them.  All the Purim events are free and open to the public but advance registration is required for the Purimpalooza and “Despicable Purim Family Service.” Please register online or contact Synagogue Director, Emilie Kovit-Meyer, at 732-842-1800 x203.    For more information about CBI or to register, visit www.cbirumson.org.