Purim on Long Island

One of my website's readers, Walter Greenspan, wrote in to tell me that he’s all in favor of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but reminded me that the March Calendar of events should also include Purim, a joyous festival for Jewish people. It’s a time to think back to the Biblical time when Esther saved the Jews of Persia. Thanks to Walter for reminding me. I always welcome suggestions from readers.

You can learn more about Purim from About.com’s guide to Judaism.

Here’s a sampling of events on Long Island:

Purim Ball, Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m. and the Purim Family Carnival, Sunday, March 15 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Both are at the Friedberg JCC, 15 Nell Court, Oceanside. (516) 766-4341

Temple Beth-el of Great Neck, 5 Old Mill Road, Great Neck. Sunday, March 8, Purim Shpiel 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., and Purim Carnival, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (516) 487-0900

Purim Night, Monday, March 9 The Purim Wild West Extravaganza at the Lubavitch Chai Center of Dix Hills, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills. (631) 351-8672. Wild West Jamboree at 6:15 p.m., Megillah Reading at 7:25 p.m., and dinner at 8 p.m.

Purim Celebrations, Monday, March 9 at 7:30. Dinner at 6 p.m. Reservations required. Temple Sinai of Long Island, 131 Washington Avenue, Lawrence, (516) 569-0267

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