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Purim fun is coming soon

The joyous holiday of Purim arrives at sundown March 16. Although
pandemic restrictions may put a dent in many of the carnival-like gath-
erings common to the holiday, the community calendar once again fea-
tures a sprinkling of celebrations.
Purim celebrates how Queen Esther saved the Jews in ancient Persia
from the wicked Haman. It is traditionally celebrated with Megillah
readings, gifts of food, charity, feasting and merriment. Since dressing
in costumes is a big part of the holiday, this is one holiday where face
masks do not seem out of place. Learn more about the holiday at my-
jewishlearning.com/purim.
Purim 2020 was the last festival celebrated before Covid closures.
In 2021, delivering Mishloach Manot (Purim gift bags) took center
stage. This year, hamentashen, Megillah readings and Purim spiels are
among the traditions making a comeback – though Covid protocols still
mean some modifications.
March 4: Deadline to order hamentashen March 17. Masks must be worn at all times (unless eating and
Congregation Shaarie Torah’s sisterhood has been baking and drinking). Maximium of 40 adults. Cost: $10/person, $5/chil-
selling hamentashen as a fund-raiser since the 1950s. The first dren, $25/family max. Registration is required: ahavathachimpdx.
year, they sold 100 dozen. In recent years, the sisterhood has made weebly.com/purim
over 2,500 dozen with the help of over 100 volunteers. They are
shipped all over the world. March 17: Close Out Purim Bash
With Purim 2022 fast approaching, the sisterhood has announced Congregation Kesser Israel invites the community to enjoy des-
that Shaarie Torah’s tradition of baking and selling hamentashen sert and dancing for a Close Out Purim Bash at 6:45, March 17.
goes on. Though they will not be able to bake as many as in 2020, The Portland Kollel cosponsors the event.
the last pre-pandemic bake, the sisterhood has made plans to bake For the congregation’s full Purim schedule, visit kesserisrael.org.
while keeping everyone healthy.
An announcement of this year’s plans reads: “We will not be March 17: Sporty Purim
congregating closely in the kitchen as we have done for so many Enjoy a Megillah reading, Purim music, buffet, games and crafts
years. We will be baking in the social hall and keeping our dis- from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, March 17, in the basketball gym of Hills-
tance. As bakers, we will be following strict CDC guidelines. We boro’s Poynter Middle School (1535 NE Grant; gym entrance from
really want to keep our wonderful hamentashen baking tradition the back).
alive at Shaarie Torah. We hope you understand why we made the Come dressed in your favorite sports team’s apparel. Cost is
changes and hope that we can still make your holiday delicious.” $6/person or $20/family.
Place your order at shaarietorah.org/hamentashen. Curbside pick- Hosted by Chabad Hillsboro. RSVP: chabadh.com/events/
up will be on specific dates and times (see order form). sporty-purim

March 16: My Fair Esther: A Purim Schpiel March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Purim Seudah
Congregation Beth Israel brings Purim back into its main sanc- This year, Purim and St. Patrick’s Day overlap.
tuary at 6 pm, March 16, with “My Fair Esther: A Purim Schpiel.” Celebrate a Purim seudah (festive meal), St. Patrick’s Day, the
Get me to the shul on time for our lover-liest Purim Schpiel yet! capriciousness of life and words of Torah at Leikam Brewing
Beth Israel’s talented, hilarious cast of clergy, staff and community Company, 5812 East Burnside, on March 17 at 4:30 pm. Wear a
members are guaranteed to make you want to dance all night. mask for Purim and a mask for Covid-19 and celebrate an amazing
Covid-19 health and safety protocols will follow state require- Purim. The food cart will have Purim/St. Patrick’s-inspired fare.
ments in place at that time. “It is traditional to have a festive meal on Purim, but Portland is
Not comfortable going out yet, but don’t want to miss the fun? rarely traditional,” says brewery cofounder Sonia Marie Leikam,
The Schpiel will also be available via livestream. Visit bethisra- who calls Purim her favorite holiday. leikambeer.com
el-pdx.org/joinus.

March 16: P’nai Or Purim Joy party via Zoom March 19: Outrighteous Party & Variety Show
Co/Lab: Reimagine Jewish and Alberta Shul present “A Com-
The P’nai Or Purim Joy party will be at 6 pm, March 16, on pletely Outrighteous Purim Party and Variety Show” from 7 to
Zoom. 11:55 pm, March 19, in North Portland.
The 90-minute frolic will include a mirthful opening song, goofy Outrageous and totally righteous at the same time, let it all hang
fundraising antics, a fun musical Purimspiel, storytelling and a out with a parade, a variety show, good music and delicious bev-
costume contest. erages. Proceeds from the evening will go to support a local or-
For more information, email admin@pnaiorpdx.org. ganization to help fund the construction of tiny homes and give
houseless individuals valuable training in the construction. Tickets
March 17: Purim at Ahavath Achim are $18-54.
Enjoy megillah reading, festive fun, pasta bar kosher dinner, cos- Proof of vaccination along with ID and a mask are required to
tumes and more at Congregation Ahavath Achim, from 4 to 6 pm, attend. Register at colabpdx.org/purim/.
12 Jewish Review March 2, 2022