Congregation Beth Israel Announces Purim Celebrations

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains will hold several celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Purim. These programs are free and open to the community.

CBI will host a special Purim Tot Shabbat on Saturday, March 4, at 10:30 a.m., geared for children ages five and younger and their families. The service will celebrate Shabbat and Purim with songs, stories and treats. While this service is free, registration is suggested at https://www.cbinj.org/event/tot2223.

Congregation Beth Israel will usher in the holiday on Erev Purim, Monday, March 6, with two Megillah readings, an earlier one geared for young children and a later one for adults.

Families with young children are encouraged to come at 5:30 p.m. on March 6 for an abbreviated kid-friendly reading of the Megillah along with fun Purim singing. There will be a costume parade at the end of the family service.

The Megillah will be read in its entirety at the later service, which begins at 7:30 p.m. on March 6. Adults are encouraged to dress in costume and participate in the evening’s fun, including a traditional Purim schpiel.

Between the two Megillah readings, congregants and community members are invited for pizza, drinks and dessert at 6:30 p.m. on March 6, as it is traditional to enjoy a feast together on Purim. This dinner is free and open to the community, but registration is encouraged at https://www.cbinj.org/event/purim-dinner-drinks--dessert.html.

“Purim celebrates a Jewish victory over antisemitism, which feels particularly important to recognize this year,” said Rabbi Howard Tilman of CBI. “It’s an opportunity to see the world turned upside down, find a way to persevere, and then celebrate that victory. As we’ll read in the Megillah, ‘The Jews basked in light and happiness, joy and great honor.’ (Esther 8:17)”

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, educational, cultural and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. It has an active Sisterhood, Men’s Club and youth group, plus a wide array of programs, ranging from adult education courses to social action opportunities.

Congregation Beth Israel has been recognized as an ABLE Awarded Congregation by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest for its commitment to inclusion and accommodation for all its members and guests.

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