Purim 2022: Family-Friendly Activities and Events

Purim
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Purim 2022: Family-Friendly Activities and Events

Purim will be celebrated on March 16th this year and it is time for families to come together as you commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman. If you are looking for family-friendly events to do with the kids, we’ve got a list of of activities that will be hosted in and around the city!

Psst… Check out 10 Easy Crockpot Recipes for Families

Manhattan

Purim Family Storytime and Celebration
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 318 W 118th St, New York, NY 10026
March 13, 3-5pm
$18, Advanced Registration Required

Join the JCC to learn about the mitzvot (obligations) and traditions of this joyous holiday, including a community megillah reading, a Purim story hour, and an opportunity to package mishloach manot (Purim packages) and matanot l’evyonim (offerings for those in need, this year benefitting our friends at Met Council on Jewish Poverty). Costumes are encouraged.

Early Childhood Purim Celebration and Megillah Reading
B’nai Jeshurun Sanctuary, 257 W 88th St, New York, NY 10024
March 16, 5:15-6pm
Free, Advanced registration required

Join B’nai Jeshurun for a wacky and spirited Purim celebration for the whole family! This shemita year B’nai Jeshurun is trying to reduce their waste and so they encourage you to use what you have in your home to create a costume. It’s time to get creative. 

Enjoy an evening filled with arts and crafts, music, snacks-to-go, a costume parade, and of course a family-friendly megillah reading of the Purim story.Please bring a box of macaroni to decorate and use as a grogger/noisemaker which will be donated to the West Side Campaign Against Hunger at the end of the night.

Glow in the Dark Purim
New York Hebrew, 121 W. 19th Street, Stuyvesant Park
March 17, 5:45pm
Before 3/14: $25; $18 per child 3 and older; $80 per family. After 3/14: $18; $14 per child 3 and older; $55 per family. Advanced Registration Required

Celebrate Purim with a gourmet buffet dinner, glow photo booth, glow robots, lively music, interactive Megillah reading, glow Purim activities, and Glow Gameshow! Everyone in costume receives a prize!

Shushan on the Run
Chabad of the West Side, 166 W 97th St, New York, NY 10025
March 17, 4:15pm
Free, Reservations requested and donations welcomed

Join Chabad Family Programs & CTeen UWS and travel through the Purim story in Central park with a troupe of professional actors! Purim day, 4:15 PM Megillah Reading, followed by a re-enactment of the Purim story. Using props, costumes and interacting with the audience, we will travel with the actors through a “moving” retelling of the Purim story. No cost, reservations requested and donations welcomed. Boxed “Seudahs-to-go” will be given out, and you and your children will have the opportunity to do all four Mitzvot of Purim: Give Tzedakah (charity), exchange gifts of food, hear the Megillah and enjoy a meal.

Purim in the Air
Chabad of Battery Park City, Battery Park Esplanade Volleyball Court, Battery Park City
March 17, 6pm
$15 per person, Advanced reservations required

“Take off” with Chabad of Battery Park City this Purim for an evening you won’t soon forget! The event includes exciting “in-flight” entertainment, delicious “airline” food, and a Megillah reading by the “pilot.”

Brooklyn

Pre Purim Fun
Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Through March 16, Mondays-Thursdays, 10am-4pm; Sundays, 10am-5:30pm
Free with Museum Admission

Close your eyes and imagine the smell of cookie dough, and jam, Hearing the sound of a noisy gragger, seeing friends dressed up in colorful costumes, pinching together circular dough, and the taste of a fresh hamentasch entering your belly. Now open your eyes! This is not an imaginary story; this is the party happening at the Jewish Children’s Museum’s Pre Purim Fun. Come dressed up to The Pre-Purim Fun!

Greenpoint Shul Purim Block Party
Greenpoint Shul, 108 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
March 13, 1-4pm
Free, Advanced Registration Required

Join the Greenpoint Shul for costume making, noisemaker decorating, a bounce house, and a raffle with amazing prizes from local vendors.

Hamentashen Bake
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights, 117 Remsen St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
March 15, 5:30pm
Free, Advanced registration required. RSVP to [email protected]

Come together to make these traditional Purim treats!

Purim Under the Archway
Chabad of DUMBO, 155 Water St., DUMBO
March 17, 4-6pm
Free

Celebrate Purim with the Megillah reading, arts and crafts, circus performers, face painting, and Purim foods! Children in costumes will be entered in a raffle to win a prize. To RSVP or for more information please email [email protected]

Purim@Senesh: Puppets, Singing, and Persian Arts Festival
Hannah Senesh Community Day School, ​​342 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
March 20, 10am
$5

Explore and celebrate Purim with a thrilling puppet show of “Esther Saves the Day” featuring Wonderspark Puppets and shadow puppetry activities with the JCH On-your-feet movement, games with Sprout Brooklyn and Sababa Beach Camps Purim sing-alongs, art activities with CBE Kids and other partners that draw inspiration from Jewish Persian culture referenced in the Purim story, such as building cities with recycled materials, decorating noise makers, creating life-sized drawings of Purim characters, and more. Kids and grownups are encouraged to come in costume!

Queens

Spring Purim Luau
Commonpoint Queens, 67-09 108th St, Forest Hills, NY 11375
March 13, 12-3pm
$5 per child. Advanced Registration Required

Celebrate Purim and welcome Spring! All community members are invited for a Luau-themed party complete with arts and crafts, games, contests, live animals, giveaways, food, and so much more! There will also be information on their programs like summer camp, early childhood programs, and more.

Purim in Shushan
JCC – Chabad of West Queens, 10-29 48th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
March 16, 6pm
$18 per person; $54 per family, Advanced Registration Required

Celebrate the 4 Mitzvot (good deeds) of Purim by making DIY charity boxes, graggers (noise makers for Megillah reading), Hamentaschen, and Mishaloch Manot (gift of food). Listen to the Megillah reading and enjoy singing and dancing!

Chabad of Little Neck and Temple Torah Purim Celebration
Yeshiva Har Torah, 250-10 Grand Central Pkwy, Queens, NY 11426
March 17, 6pm
$20; $15 member; $12 per child. Advanced Registration Required

Celebrate Purim with music, Megillah reading, Purim meal, and great entertainment for kids and adults!

Westchster/Bronx

Young Families Purim Celebration at Emanu-El
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave, Rye, NY 10580
March 13, 10:45-11:30am
Free, Advanced registration required

Families are invited to celebrate Purim with song, movement, crafts, community, and fun!

Purim in the Circus
Chabad of Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
March 17, 5pm or 6:30pm
Free, Advanced Registration Required

Celebrate Purim with the Chabad of Rivertowns featuring the famed  “Acrobats of Cirque-tacular” a thrilling aerial and ground acrobatic show that is “mesmerizing”, “truly impressive”, “broken-bone defying”, and “mind-boggling feats of artistry and athleticism.” Plus  – Megillah reading with a multimedia presentation, Hamantashen and Groggers.

Children’s Purim Celebration
Chabad of Bedford, 100 S Bedford Rd #300, Bedford Corners, NY 10549
March 17, 4-6pm
$18 per family. Advanced Registration Required.

Celebrate Purim with a ventriloquist show, crafts, and costumes!

Chabad of Yorktown Purim Celebration!
Yorktown Community Center, 1974 Commerce St # 111, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
March 17, 5pm
$22; $15 per child; $72 per family, Advanced Registration Required

Celebrate Purim with an animated Megillah reading, delicious Mediterranean food, and Mishaloach Manot.

Long Island, Nassau

Purim Celebration!
Lake Success Jewish Center, 354 Lakeville Road, Great Neck
March 16, 6pm
$18; free for children 12 and younger. Advanced Registration Required

Join Lake Success Jewish Center at their annual Purim Celebration! Dairy Dinner at 6pm and Megillah Reading & Costume Party at 6:45pm. Costumes, Graggers and Hamentashen… everything you all love about this joyous holiday!

Family Purim Party and Megillah Reading
Chabad of Great Neck, 400 East Shore Road, Great Neck
March 16, 6:30pm
Free, Advanced registration required

Celebrate Purim with goodie bags for kids, children’s Megillah Masquerade, live show, crafts, live DJ, and concession with pizza for sale. 

Purim Family Party
Chabad of the Five Towns, 74 Maple Ave., Cedarhurst
March 17, 5:30pm
Before 3/9: $25 per adult; $15 per child. After 3/9: $50 per adult; $30 per child. Advanced Registration Required

Celebrate Purim under the Big Top with carnival games and prizes, festive meal, snow cones and cotton candy, and more!

Town of Oyster Bay Chabad: Purim Fire & Light Party
HANC, 25 Country Dr., Plainview
March 17, 5:30pm
Free, Advanced registration required

Join the Town of Oyster Bay Chabad’s annual Purim celebration. This year’s family friendly event will feature Fire & Light stunt act Keith Leaf. His laugh-a-minute show of juggling, sideshow, and comedy will keep you riveted with amazing feats to keep you talking for years. Festive music, ‘Hamantaschen’ and Pizza will be there to make celebrating the joy of Purim an experience to be remembered. All children in costume will be part of a grand prize raffle!

Long Island, Suffolk

Hamantaschen Make & Bake
Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack
March 14, 7-8:30pm
$22; $18 members, Advanced Registration Required, Zoom option available

Bring friends and learn how to make Hamantaschen! The dough and fillings are provided and you go home with ready-made or ready-to-bake Hamantaschen.

Purim Bake Off
Chabad of the Hamptons, 17 Woods Lane, East Hampton
March 16, 6:30-7:30pm
Free, RSVP by emailing [email protected]

Bake an assortment of Purim treats to share with your family & friends, and then listen to the Megillah.

Purim in the Jungle – The Chai Center Purim Party
The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills
March 17, 2022, 5:30pm Megillah Reading; 6:30pm Dinner/Show
$22, Advanced registration required

Purim party celebrating this joyful Jewish holiday. Buffet dinner, live music, open bar and live entertainment featuring Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix Dog Show. A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny leads over a dozen dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks as he plays the straight man role in this wonderful slapstick comedy act like no other.

Chabad of Melville: Community Purim Banquet and Mentalist Show
Huntington Hilton, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville
March 17, 5pm
$30; $18 children; $72 per family. Advanced Registration Required

Melville Chabad invites you for Hamanataschen, Megillah reading, Purim baskets, Masquerades and more. The grown ups will be amazed by Mentalist David Levitan while the children have their own fun with a Purim Wonderland event. Of course there will also be a delicious gourmet dinner!

Rockland/Bergen

Rubach Family Purim Celebration
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ
March 13, 1-4pm
$25 for 30 tickets, Advanced Registration Required

Bring your children in their favorite Purim costumes to enjoy huge inflatables, slides, games, prizes, characters, snacks and more!

Purim Fest 2022
Friends of Lubavitch of Bergen County, 280 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ
March 16, 7:30pm
Free, Advanced registration required

Chabad of Teaneck and Hackensack join together for a megillah reading followed by HUGE dairy break-fast and concert, multiple face painting stations, and balloon twisting for the children.

Purim at the Circus
Chabad Lubavitch of Rockland, 315 North Main Street, New City
March 17, 5pm
$36; $25 ages 12 and younger; $118 per family, Advanced Registration Required

This year’s Purim at the Circus promises to be better than ever! Catered by Mike’s Burgers and entertainment by Macaroni the Clown!

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Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Polaris Productions Theater Camp

<p>Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They’ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child’s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They’ll have fun! At camp’s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.</p>

Gaga Madness

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.</span></p>