Festivals, Services Celebrate Purim
Jewish organizations throughout Orange County and Southern California will sponsor worship services, carnivals and concerts to celebrate the joyous holiday of Purim.
The holiday, which begins Monday evening, celebrates the triumph of Queen Esther and her cousin, Mordecai, in foiling a plot by the tyrant Haman to destroy the Jews of Persia more than 2,000 years ago.
Most celebrations will feature the reading of the Megillah, the biblical saga of Esther, complete with noisemakers and colorful attire. Carnivals with amusement rides, traditional Purim pastries, auctions and arts and crafts are also planned.
“There are a number of things to learn from Purim,” said Howard Rosenthal of Adat Ari Temple in Anaheim Hills. “It teaches self-reliance. It demonstrates the triumph of good over evil . . . [and] how all good deeds with be rewarded.” Among the festivities scheduled are the following:
* Congregation B’nai Israel, 2111 Bryan Ave., Tustin. Carnival runs from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, offering games, rides, food and prizes. (714) 730-9693.
* Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot, 3652 Michelson Drive, Irvine. Carnival from 11 a.m. Sunday; service at 7 p.m. Tuesday. (949) 857-2226.
* Adat Ari Temple of Orange County, 5100 E. La Palma, Anaheim Hills. Celebration--including dancing and movies for children--begins at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
* Temple Beth Ohr, 15721 Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada. Festivities will begin Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with a bazaar, food booths, crafts, games and entertainment. Carnival runs from noon to 4 p.m. (714) 521-6765.
* Temple Menorah, 1101 Camino Real, Redondo Beach. Carnival from 11:30 a.m. Sunday. (310) 372-6939.
* Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Festivities Sunday from 10 a.m.; pop-rock concert featuring Craig Taubman from noon. (503) 293-9498.
* Westside Jewish Community Center, 5870 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. Carnival from 11 a.m. Sunday. (323) 938-2531.
* Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. Festivities headlined by the Arbeter Ring Lomir Ale Zingen chorus, 2 p.m. Sunday. (310) 552-2007.
