Purim 2024
Purim Celebrations Throughout New York City
Students in The Grad Network community are welcome to participate in Purim celebrations happening across the city.
We will continuously update this section with more information, as it becomes available. If you’re not finding what you’re looking for, email Melissa, Director of The Grad Network. Melissa will help you find Megillah readings and Purim experiences that best fit how you want to celebrate.
If you would like to attend any holiday experiences and need assistance covering the cost of Purim tickets, you are welcome to apply for a Meaningful Jewish Experience Grant from The Grad Network.
The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center Megillah Reading Celebration | 6 p.m. March 23| Temple Emanu-El
The Talmud demands that we engage in joyous, no-holds-barred revelry remembering the survival of the Jews of Shushan following the downfall of the vicious Haman. We invite you to join us for a classic Purim celebration, with:
Reading from the Guinness World Records Longest Megillah
Hamantaschen Bar
Cocktails to satisfy a Talmudic scholar
Fun Snacks
Purim Eve in Harlem | 7:45 p.m. March 23 | Kehillat Harlem
Join Harlem's Annual Purim Eve Megillah Reading and Party, featuring food, drinks, new faces, old friends, megillah, groggers, music, and probably a spicy spiel! After the megillah is read, food and drinks will be served. Costumes are encouraged!
Plan to arrive by 7:45 p.m. The Megillah reading will begin promptly. After the megillah is read, food and drinks will be served.
Shushan Night Live: Community Megillah Reading
8 p.m. March 23 | B’nai Jeshurun Sanctuary
Live from New York, it’s Shushan Night Live—hosted by Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman from the comedy duo Yidlife Crisis (back by popular demand!), and featuring BJ’s teen band: GOLDBERG! Put on your favorite costume or your perfect mask, hear the megillah, and join us for a Purim celebration like no other.
For those joining us in person, please bring a box of pasta to use as a grogger; all boxes will be donated to West Side Campaign Against Hunger at the end of the night.
Registration is not required.
NextDor (20s & 30s) Megillah Madness
8:30 p.m. March 23 | Park Avenue Synagogue Main Sanctuary
Come in your Purim costume to this event that is being held in partnership with Reshet Ramah and USY. There will be a Megillah reading, hamentashen, hors d'oeuvres, drinks (some non-alcoholic options), music, and other festivities.
This event is for ages 21-39 only. Advanced registration.
The Vashti Ball: A Queer Purim Experience
9 p.m. March 23 | Marlene Meyerson JCC
The Vashti Ball is an immersive queer Purim party experience open to all.
The evening begins at 9pm with the queerest free Megillah readings you can imagine. The festivities continue at 10pm with an open bar (for 21+), Persian feast, drag shows, and grand runway costume contest where the top costumes win tickets to '& Juliet' on Broadway. Then stay for the rockin' Barbie Dance Party!
Sholom 20s & 30s Around the World Boozy Brunch
11:30 a.m. March 24 | Congregation Rodeph Sholom
Adventure is out there! Take a trip to Epcot (without the hefty ticket price) and join us for a Purim celebration with food and drinks from around the world. Passports optional!
Purim 5784 with Selah: The Age of Momentum
11 a.m. March 24 | The 14th Street Y (344 E 14th St)
Join Selah for their inaugural Purim celebration featuring a royal catered brunch, a creative trip through the holiday’s four mitzvot (spiritual opportunities): service, storytelling, sharing a meal, and surprises for friends, plus ritual glitter and face painting.
Purim is a holiday in which we celebrate the possibility for change, transformation, and unexpected wins. Here at Selah, with our team at 14Y and the Center for Recovery and Wellness, we’ll be doing something new and totally joyful for this most subversive, effusive, playful, and high-spirited of holidays.
This Purim experience and brunch seudah (feast) will be substance-free.
Megillah Reading and Clergy Performances
12 p.m. March 24 | Central Synagogue Main Sanctuary
Enjoy a Barbie Purim performance by Central's very own children’s spiel troupe! Then, watch as our Clergy, dressed as different Barbies and Kens, take the stage and sing their hearts out. Open to the public. No registration is required.
The Annual Harlem Women-Led Megillah Reading
12:30 p.m. March 24 | Kehillat Harlem
Guests of all genders are invited to join the Harlem community on Purim Day to hear Megillat Esther read aloud by a multigenerational group of women! Those who like are invited to stay afterward for a seudah (feast)! Costumes are encouraged!
Co-presented by Kehillat Harlem, Based in Harlem, and Harlem Moishe House
Purim Volunteer Project with WSCAH
1:30 p.m. March 24 | 263 W 86th St
Fulfill one of the key mitzvot of Purim by joining BJ Aviv’s volunteer day at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH). The mitzvah of Matanot la’Evyonim (giving of money or food to those in need) is central to the spirit of Purim and reminds us that we are obligated to extend a helping hand, even in times of joy and celebration. By volunteering our time and effort at WSCAH, we will help ensure that those facing hunger in our community can access healthy and nutritious food for their families with dignity.
Megillah in Drag: Post-Purim Celebration
8 p.m. March 25 | Branded Saloon
Have you ever heard the story of Purim? This won’t be your average synagogue skit. Join us at Branded saloon and learn about this jewish springtime carnivál! Come see our do-over of Megillat Esther, or the story of Queen Esther and Purim, from several lovely jewish drag performers! Costumes are not required but encouraged, it's traditional after all!
Please plan on purchasing 2 items to support Branded, for generously letting us use their space. Feel free to email melissa.shaiman@werepair.org with any questions.