The festive Jewish holiday of Purim will be celebrated at Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills (formerly Temples Shalom of Milton and Beth El of Quincy) this year with two special events in early March.
On Sunday morning, March 1st, the synagogue’s Rabbi Weistrop Religious School will sponsor its Annual Purim Carnival from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Cunningham Hall, 75 Edge Hill Road in Milton.
The retelling of the Purim story will precede the Carnival, which will feature games, booths, prizes, raffles, food and fun for all ages, and prizes for costumes. It is open to the entire community with free admission, and tickets for food and booths will be available for purchase. All are welcome, especially costumed children.
On Wednesday evening, March 4th, at 6:30 p.m. the congregation and guests will enjoy a Passover wine tasting and light refreshments before participating in the traditionally raucous Purim service and interactive Megillah reading at 7:15. The wine tasting and service will be hosted by the Ritual Committee and led by Rabbi Fred Benjamin in the Johnson Great Hall of the First Congregational Church, 495 Canton Avenue, Milton, followed by Hamantashen, a traditional three-cornered treat. The public is invited and costumes are encouraged.
The Megillah tells the Purim story of Esther and her uncle Mordecai, who saved their Jewish brethren in ancient Shushan from the evil designs of the wicked Haman. Children and adults wear costumes and listen carefully to the Hebrew text so they can use noisemakers to drown out the name of Haman every time it is uttered.
Cong. Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills conducts a full schedule of religious services throughout the year and has a full calendar of cultural, educational and social events. It also
operates a religious school for Jewish children of all grade levels.
Beth Shalom’s interim sanctuary is at 495 Canton Avenue, at the rear entrance of the First Congregational Church in Milton. For further information about Purim or other temple activities, call the temple office at 617-698-3394, email: office@BethShalomBlueHills.org, or visit www.BethShalomBlueHills.org.