Purim Festival Feb. 24 at Congregation B’nai Israel

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RUMSON – Looking for a place to celebrate Purim, the happiest of all Jewish holidays? Grab the kids and grandkids and head to the Purim Carnival at Congre­gation B’nai Israel (CBI).
The annual fundraiser will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, and will include games, inflatable rides, food, prizes and gift auction. There also will be a magic show for little children.
The carnival is open to the public. General admission is free. The synagogue is located at 171 Ridge Road at the corner of Hance Road.
Purim, a festival recorded in the biblical Book of Esther, commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people
living in the ancient Persian Empire from a plot by Haman, an evil ruler, to destroy them.
Purim is characterized by public recitation of the Book of Esther, giving mutual gifts of food and drink, giving charity to the poor and a celebratory meal. Other customs include the wearing of masks and costumes.
Additional information about the Purim Carnival, is available by contacting Susan Alderson, CBI youth director, at youthdirector@cbirumson.org.
Additional information about religious services associated with Purim is available by contacting Henry Silberman, administrator, at 732-842-1800.
Founded in 1922, Congre­gation B’nai Israel is one of the oldest and largest synagogues in the Two River area.