Purim 2025 | 5785
Happy Holidays! Hag Sameah! חג שמח
Purim recounts an ancient tale of humor and challenge, remembering Queen Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews of Shushan. Purim encourages us to stand proud as Jews and stand against prejudice and injustice.
See below for more information on how we'll be observing Purim. From hamantaschen baking, to volunteer opportunities, all the way to a full blown 80s celebration!
We look forward to celebrating together as a community on Thursday, March 13. Hag Sameah!
Purim recap
We had an absolute blast at our Totally 80's Purim Celebration! Check out some highlights below:
Community Hamentaschen Baking
Monday, March 10 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Tuesday, March 11 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Wednesday, March 12 | 9 AM - 2:30 PM
Calling all bakers and baking enthusiasts!
Join us in our Beth El kitchen for baking sessions where we'll roll out dough, fill it with an assortment of sweet fillings, and expertly shape hamentaschen. that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Together, let's infuse our Purim celebrations with the sweetness of friendship, tradition, and community spirit.
These hamentaschen will be enjoyed at our Purim celebrations, and will enhance Mishloach Manot packages for seniors in our community.
We'll provide all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Please bring an apron if you prefer to wear one.
Purim Events
Totally 80s Purim Celebration
Thursday, March 13 | 5:00 PM
Purim is coming, and Beth El is throwing it back to Shushan in the 80s with a most excellent celebration! Enjoy dinner, hamentaschen, carnival games, Megillah reading, Hesed & Tikkun Olam opportunities, and the greatest hits of the decade played live by 80’s cover band, BETAMAXX! Hold on to your scrunchies and get ready to rock your neon socks off as we party Shushan-style, like it’s 1989.
Bring the whole fam, wear your best Purim costume (extra points for 80’s flair), and let’s make this a night to remember. It’s gonna be totally tubular!
Evening Schedule
5:00 PM | Family Fun Festival begins
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Kick off the night with inflatables, carnival games, crafts, and prizes—fun for all ages!
6:00 PM | Festive Community Dinner
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Enjoy dinner & Hamentaschen while getting into the groove with BETAMAXX, who’ll start the night with a few songs to set the vibe.
7:00 PM | Megillah Reading
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We gather in the Stone Family Sanctuary to read Megillat Esther and rejoice in the telling of the Purim story.
8:30 PM | BETAMAXX Concert, Nosh, and More Purim Fun
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Get ready to rock out to the best of the 80s with BETAMAXX! Dance, nosh on more hamantaschen, and celebrate together.
SHABBAT SERVICES
Musical Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 14 | 6:15 PM
We’ll welcome the Shabbat by singing some of the familiar prayers and songs of an Erev Shabbat service to the popular songs of famous Jewish artists. Ours will be a fun Purim Shabbat evening of music, Purim spirit, and Shabbat joy. After the service we’ll nosh some hamantaschen.
Purim Mitzvots
On Purim we learn that Jewish joy is present in the pleasure we give and receive. Simple, caring gestures of attentiveness and compassion toward others. Offers of assistance. Efforts to help. Taking time to listen and cry with one another. Doing what’s right. Being sensitive and acting ethically are sources of deep Jewish joy and gratification. This Purim, mindful of the plight of hostages still held captive and neighbors seeking to rebuild after destructive fires, we pause on Purim to find life’s joy even when it’s hard.
This Purim our community is participating in three initiatives:
Mishloah Manot for Sha’ar Hanegev – Sharing Love & Support
Now through - March 10
This Purim, Congregation Beth El is sending love and support to our sister city, Sha’ar Hanegev, the Gaza envelope communities, through a special Mishloah Manot project.
Partnering with small businesses in Sha’ar Hanegev, we will fill these baskets with locally sourced treats, providing both comfort to families and support to the local businesses.
To add a personal touch, our VTS students will be writing heartfelt cards to include in each package, reminding our friends in Israel that they are in our hearts. In a time of hardship and loss, this is our way of sending strength, connection, and the joy of Purim across the miles.
Join us in this meaningful mitzvah.
Deliver Mishloah Manot to Beth El-ders
Friday, March 14
On Purim, we have a special opportunity to extend our love and gratitude to our seniors through the Mitzvah of Mishloah Manot. These packages will be filled with an array of holiday treats, including the hamentaschen we will be baking together.
If you are available to deliver Mishloah Manot packages on Sunday, March 14, please email Dvora at dvinick@cbe.org.
Matanot L'Evyonim: Gifts for Those in Need
Gift Card Drive for LA Fire Relief
Our hearts are with the synagogues and families impacted by the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles. As a community, Beth El is coming together to provide meaningful support by collecting gift cards to help those in need. We will be sending all gift cards to Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, whose staff will distribute them directly to synagogue families in need.
Your generosity will make an immediate difference, helping families rebuild, restock essentials, and navigate this challenging time. Together, we can bring comfort and support to our extended Jewish community.
