By Irit Skulnik
It’s that time of year again — the time to break out the costumes because Wednesday night, or Thursday night if you’re in Jerusalem, is the start of Purim 2022. Purim is a holiday of disguise. It’s the story of Esther, or the Megilla, as we call it. We read this story annually and it describes King Ahasverus, the king of Persia at the time who got rid of his wife for disobeying him — and selected a new young bride who happened to be Jewish. When one of his advisers tries to decimate all the Jews of the region because they wouldn't bow down to him, he devised a plan to kill them all and young queen ester caught wind of it and did a dangerous thing — she approached the king all on her own and eventually asked him to put an end to it in honor of her people. She saved the Jews in the diaspora.
In honor of this, the Jewish people celebrate with drinks, hamantaschen cookies and costume — some say — in order to remember that things are not always what they seem to be and also because the book does not mention Gd in it. He’s hidden. From my experience, Purim is the most fun in the land of Israel because the whole country is participating in it. Unlike where I am from in New York where halloween is the number 1 dress up holiday.
Well, if you’re in Israel and unsure of what to do, here’s a quick roundup of some of the events happening in the two major cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Monday night, the Sunset Series event by Tribe Tel Aviv, hosted by Shanna Fuld is having a pre-Purim party at the Capella cocktail bar in the south Hagag tower.
For Megillah reading in Tel Aviv, the Tel Aviv International Synagogue is having a Megillah reading party March 17th at 8 pm. It will include a live band, refreshments, and mishloach manot for your kids. There’s also a big Megillah reading starting at 7:30 pm in Dizengoff Square if that is more your scene.
March 17th, there is also a Purim Masquerade Ball at Poupee. The event will have gourmet food, drinks, and dancing, make sure to arrive in a masquerade look. It requires buying a ticket in advance and will start at 9 pm.
The biggest street party in Tel Aviv will take place at Charles Clore Park and will be held March 18th from 11 am to 5 pm. The event will feature food, drinks, live music, and people showing off their craziest costumes.
Another cool way to celebrate in the streets of Tel Aviv is the annual zombie walk, where people dress up as zombies and party in the streets. The walk starts March 19th at 9:30 pm and people will gather on the corner of King George St and Sderot Ben Tzion.
If you’re living in Jerusalem check out Safra Square for a huge festival with street performers, costumes, and fun. The event is March 18th and starts at 11 am.
For a unique Megillah reading in Jerusalem go to Yad Vashem’s traditional Megillah reading. It starts at 5 pm on Wednesday March 17th.
Also in Jerusalem is the Purim carnival at the Biblical Zoo which will include performances, costume contests, and more. The event is Wednesday March 17th at 11 pm.
The Nocturno Live complex is hosting a huge Purim party with two floors of dancing, DJ’s, discounted drinks, and shows. The event is March 17th and starts at 9:30 pm, buy your tickets in advance.
There you have it, the biggest Purim events happening in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Stay safe and have fun this Purim!
