Purim 2023
CLICK HERE to see all the wonderful photos that were taken during our Purim 2023 events!
Purim at BZBI has something for everyone! There are multiple opportunities to participate, hear the megillah, celebrate with new and old friends, and of course be goofy!
Monday, March 6 – Erev Purim & Fast of Esther
- 7:45 – 8:15 AM – Morning Minyan on Zoom
- 6:15 – 7:45 PM – Purim Service & Megillah Reading in the Goldberg Sanctuary and on Zoom
- 6:28 PM – Fast ends
- 8:00 PM – Purim Pub and Karaoke in Kahaner Auditorium
Celebrate Erev Purim with us by attending the Megillah reading (all are welcome) and enjoy a Purim Pub and Karaoke party upstairs in the Kahaner afterwards. Drinks and light snacks will be provided, everyone is welcome to attend the Purim Pub, feel free to bring any beverage you would like to consume and or share. A costume contest will take place in the sanctuary after the Megillah reading. The costume contest will be judged by members of our congregation, and we can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with. This year’s categories for costumes include best group costume, best biblical costume, best visual pun, best pop culture costume, and most original costume.
Two of the core mitzvot of Purim – hearing the Megillah read aloud and having a great time with friends – can sometimes feel like they are at odds with one another on Purim night. In an effort to better serve the entire BZBI community, we’re going to try something new this year: we now offer two different venues from which you can take in the Megillah reading.
In the Goldberg Sanctuary we will continue to highlight the live Megillah reading with all the grogging and jeering at Haman you can muster as well as periodic costume parades to exhibit the contest categories. At the same time, you will find light refreshments and a live stream of the Megillah reading in the Sisterhood Gift Shop area and Chapel for those who prefer an environment conducive to shmoozing and hanging out.
We recognize that this is a big change from years past and ask for everyone’s support and cooperation as we try new ideas to better serve our entire community. Our goal is for everyone to have as much fun as possible while establishing an environment in the Goldberg Sanctuary where the Megillah reading is the primary focus and the entire reading can be heard clearly. People of all ages are welcome in either space, and you can move between rooms at any time. We recommend choosing a venue based on what aspect of Purim is most important to you in the moment.
Tuesday, March 7 – Purim
- 7:30 – 9:00 AM – Purim Minyan & Megillah Reading in Klinghoffer Chapel and on Zoom
- 5:00 – 7:30 PM – Purim Block Party in Fitler Square
On the day of Purim, join us in Fitler Square (23rd and Pine, Philadelphia PA 19103) for our (free) annual block party. Activities will include carnival games (and fabulous prizes), a face painter, DJ Aluminum, Dr. Dani Dancepants, Drag Queen Story Time, a Photobooth, hamentashen and more!
Activity tickets will be $1/ticket or $10 for an all-inclusive wristband. Either choice can be paid for when the event starts with cash or a credit card.
