As far as Jewish holidays go, Purim just about has it all. A dramatic story with kings, queens, and intrigue; costume parades; delicious three-cornered pastries and carnivals all add up to one of the most kid-friendly and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. There are so many fun ways to celebrate the holiday all over Middlesex and Monmouth counties, from Megillah readings and hamantaschen baking to Purim carnivals and beer tastings. So mark your calendars, prepare your costumes, and get ready to party!
Purim 2018 begins the evening of Wednesday, February 28 and concludes at sundown on Thursday, March 1.
Brought to you in partnership with the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey
Purim Together: A Purim Experience for Young Families 
Holiday sing-along with Cantor Marnie Camhi, PJ Library storytime, snacks, and an arts & crafts project! Free.
Temple Beth Miriam 180 Lincoln Ave, Elberon
Saturday, February 24, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Hamantaschen Bake-a-thon
Help roll, fill, pinch, and bake hamentaschen to enjoy on Purim after the synagogue Megillah reading and help pack them into gift packages for college students.
Temple Beth El of Somerset, 1489 Hamilton St, Somerset
Sunday, February 25, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Jewish Adventures – Purim
Preschoolers learn about the holiday through crafts, games, songs & snacks.
East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick
Sunday, February 25, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Tri-Synagogue PurimFest
Purim fun for the whole family with a video game truck, race cars, crafts, face painting, DJ, Tricky Tray raffle and wine tasting. Sponsored by East Brunswick Jewish Center, Temple B’nai Shalom and The Young Israel Of East Brunswick. $20/child (3 and up) for all-inclusive wristband
East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick
Sunday, February 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Marlboro Jewish Center Purim Carnival
Games, food, inflatables, and lots of holiday fun for all ages. All are welcome. Early entry at 11 a.m. for children with special needs.
Marlboro Jewish Center, 46 Topanemus Rd, Marlboro
Sunday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Purim Carnival & Gift Auction
Carnival games, inflatables, pinata, face painting, and holiday treats. Free and open to the community.
Sunday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Congregation B’nai Israel, 171 Ridge Rd., Rumson
Temple Rodeph Torah Purim Carnival
Purim fun with games, music, bouncy house, and snacks.
Temple Rodeph Torah, 15 Mohawk Dr
Sunday, February 25, Noon – 3 p.m.
Purim Extravaganza
Celebrate Purim with a carnival for kids ages 5 and under, followed by a family-friendly Megillah reading. After Megillah, stay for dinner and Purim party featuring a video game truck, DJ, and karaoke. RSVP requested. Free and open to the community.
Congregation Torat El, 301 Monmouth Rd, Oakhurst
Wednesday, February 28, 4:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Purim Carnival
Celebrate Purim with carnival fun for all ages with food, games, and prizes. Megillah reading begins directly after the carnival.
Temple Beth Shalom, 108 Freehold Rd, Manalapan
Wednesday, February 28, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Family Megillah Reading & Carnival
Family-friendly Megillah reading followed by a carnival with games, prizes, food, and fun.
Temple Shalom, 5 Ayrmont Lane, Aberdeen
Wednesday, February 28, 5 p.m.
Family Megillah Reading & Purim Dinner
An abbreviated, family-friendly reading of the Megillah followed by dinner. RSVP requested. Free.
Congregation B’nai Israel, 171 Ridge Rd, Rumson
Wednesday, February 28, 5:30 p.m.
A Star Wars Purim
Star Wars-themed family Purim program followed by Megillah reading.
Marlboro Jewish Center, 103 School Rd West, Marlboro
Wednesday, February 28, 6:15 – 8:15 p.m.
Family Purim Celebration
Full Megillah reading, magic show, and Purim party. Fun for all ages.
Congregation Brothers of Israel, 250 Park Ave, Long Branch
Wednesday, February 28, 6:20 p.m.
Purim In the Wild
A jungle-themed Purim adventure with Megillah reading, festive banquet, and reptile show. Prizes for every child wearing a costume.
Center for Jewish Life, 176 Rt. 79, Marlboro
Wednesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.
Purim Extravaganza
Community Megillah reading followed by food, music, dancing, and a performance by David Lawrence – mentalist, magician, and hypnotist.
Congregation Ahavas Achim, 216 S. 1st Ave, Highland Park
Wednesday, February 28, 7 p.m.
Family Megillah Reading
Family-friendly Purim celebration with lots of noise, fun, merrymaking, and a 613 balloon drop.
Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 222 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick
Wednesday, February 28, 7 – 9 p.m.
Purim Spiel & Service at Temple Rodeph Torah
Celebrate Purim with a Purim spiel exploring the Book of Esther through the lens of British rock classics. Services to follow.
Temple Rodeph Torah, 15 Mohawk Dr, Marlboro
Wednesday, February 28, 7 – 9 p.m.
Reading the Megillah
Megillah reading followed by refreshments. Come in costume to add to the fun.
Temple Beth El of Somerset, 1489 Hamilton St, Somerset
Wednesday, February 28, 7 – 9 p.m.
Congregation Brothers of Israel Purim Seudah Dinner
Celebratory community Purim feast. RSVP required: 732-222-6666. $25/Adults; $12/kids ages 9-16; $5/kids ages 3-8.
Congregation Brothers of Israel, 250 Park Ave, Long Branch
Thursday, March 1, 4:30 p.m.
Purim Spiel and Party & Brewfest
Celebrate Purim with a Billy Joel-themed Purim spiel followed by beer tastings, live jazz music and food catered by Harold’s Deli. RSVP required. $30/pp
Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave, Tinton Falls
Saturday, March 3, 6 – 10:30 p.m.
Purim Casino Night
Play blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps and enjoy light snacks, desert, and wine. $36/pp
Congregation Beth Mordecai, 224 High St, Perth Amboy
Saturday, March 3, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
JCC Purim Carnival Extravaganza
Carnival fun with inflatables, swimming, face painting, live performance, and hamantaschen.
JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison
Sunday, March 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Purim Carnival
Purim sing-along followed by fun, games, and prizes. Early entry available at 10:30 a.m. for children in need of a quieter, calmer environment.
Temple Emanu-El, 100 James Street, Edison
Sunday, March 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Purim Carnival at Temple Beth Ahm
Creative and challenging games, awesome prizes, and delicious food.
Temple Beth Ahm, 550 Lloyd Road, Aberdeen
Sunday, March 4, Noon – 2:30 p.m.
Post-Purim Party
The Purim festivities continue with singing, dancing, live music from a klezmer/jazz band, and refreshments.
Temple Beth El of Somerset, 1489 Hamilton St., Somerset
Sunday, March 4, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
