Carnival at Temple Celebrates Purim

To say that Temple Kol Tikvah’s celebration of Purim had a carnival atmosphere Sunday would be an understatement.

In celebration of the Jewish holiday, which commemorates the biblical tale of the deliverance of Persian Jews from destruction by King Haman, the upper- and lower-level parking lots of the Woodland Hills-based temple were converted into a place for family fun.

Kol Tikvah’s second annual Purim carnival featured just about everything for everyone.

For children, there were “moon bounce” rides, 30-foot slides, a carousel, arts and crafts booths and temporary tattoos. For adults, there were tests of skill, such as tossing a football at a target or shooting baskets.

And for the hungry, there were kosher hot dogs, pizza, popcorn and cotton candy.

“It’s a lot of fun and the kids are having a good time,” said Calabasas resident Janice Snider, who attended the carnival with her husband, Doug, and their two children, Zachary, 7, and Aleah, 3.

“The kids tell me that the slides are excellent,” Doug Snider added.

The Sniders were among about 800 people from the temple and surrounding communities who went to the carnival. Last year, about 600 people participated.

A five-piece band, 2nd Childhood, entertained the crowd with contemporary and classic rock and rhythm & blues tunes.

With sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s, many people wore short pants and open-toed shoes. They enjoyed flavored ice treats, iced cappuccino and cold soft drinks.

“The weather, which could have been very dicey due to El Nino, is perfect,” said Barton H. Kogan, executive director of Kol Tikvah.

Kogan said the money raised by this year’s carnival should double last year’s $2,000.