Purim celebrations across Greater Philadelphia brought together over 1,400 family members and friends to enjoy carnivals, masquerades and, of course, plenty of hamantaschen.

“Purim is a holiday filled with joy,” said Lori Rubin, Director of Leadership and Governance at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. “With the current war and the direct impact that it is having on our brothers and sisters in Israel, it was important for the Jewish Federation to bring the community together as a reminder that we are not alone.”

The Jewish Federation’s Kehillot (neighborhood groups) and NextGen (young professional network) hosted and partnered on events throughout the Greater Philadelphia region to celebrate the Jewish people’s survival as told in the Book of Esther.

Fun and Games with Purim Carnivals

The Jewish Federation’s Old York Road Kehillah brought the spirit of fun to Montgomery County with its annual Purim Carnival. On March 1, families gathered for face painting, games and a hamantaschen contest.

Kaiserman JCC's brought the Purim spirit with a bounce house, games and crafts for families at the Kaiserman JCC on March 1. The Lower Merion Kehillah was able to support this joyful, community-wide event through one of the Jewish Federation’s kehillah microgrants. 

Masquerades and More 

The Jewish Federation’s NextGen partnered with Chevra for a casino-themed Purim masquerade. On March 2, young Jewish professionals celebrated with live music and games. 

 Tribe 12 hosted an interactive evening of quirky games. The Jewish Federation’s Center City Kehillah sponsored the fun on March 3 at the Weitzman Museum. Revelers took part in activities that ranged from a costume contest to parody sing-a-longs. 

Old York Road Kehillah member congregation Beth Sholom’s Purim Party included a costume catwalk at a megillah reading.

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Kehillah programming is part of the Jewish Federation’s neighborhood initiative to foster a vibrant Jewish community throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Learn more by visiting jewishphilly.org/kehillah or email community@jewishphilly.org.

NextGen is an affinity group of the Jewish Federation for leaders and philanthropists in their 20s, 30s and early 40s, who are looking to give back while building community. To learn more about NextGen, visit jewishphilly.org/nextgen or email nextgen@jewishphilly.org.