Purim events and activities in no short supply

Purim, among the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar, has been celebrated for 2,500 years and shows no signs of slowing down here in Brooklyn where a wide range of venues are throwing Purim bashes for all ages to enjoy.

In Flatbush, Temple Beth Emeth, 83 Marlborough Road, will hold its Purim Carnival on Saturday, March 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Families can enjoy a costume parade, games and prizes, hamantaschen and a pizza party for $10 per person; $30 maximum per family. Children under two are free. For more information, call 718-282-1596 or e-mail templebeth83@aol.com.

Those looking for educational events can go to the Brooklyn Children Museum’s Purim celebration, March 19 and 20 where families can share the fun and traditions that go hand in hand with the holiday. Families with children 3+ can make Purim masks on the 20th. The museum is located at 145 Brooklyn Avenue. For more information, call 718-735-4400.

The same day, at 12 p.m., the Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst, 7802 Bay Parkway, will be holding “The Purim Quest: The Search for Haman’s Plans.” Patrons can be part of a live drum circle and see a concert by the JCH School of Music and Dance. A children’s costume contest will follow all of the festivities so make sure to come prepared! For more information, call 718-943-6396.

Also on Sunday, the Kings Bay Y, located at 3495 Nostrand Avenue, will be holding its annual Purim Carnival on March 20 with activities for all ages including rides, sand art, face painting, Purim themed arts and crafts, carnival games and a costume contest. For more information, call 718-648-7703.

Later in the week, the Bay Ridge Jewish Center, 405 81st Street, will hold its Purim celebration at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23. With a $10 suggested donation, the event will include a costume parade, crafting, hamantaschen, singing, music and a multimedia presentation. The following day, BRJC will hold a “Megillah, Mimosas and Brunch” at 10 a.m. The event is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. For more information, call 718-836-3103.

Also in Bay Ridge, the Chabad of Bay Ridge, 373 Bay Ridge Avenue, will hold a “Purim in the Lab” event at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, which will feature a scientific Purim experience including a show and activities and a multimedia Megillah followed by a festive meal. Attendees are urged to come in costume. Cost is $15 for adults, $8 for children. For more information, visit chabadofbayridge.com or call 718-974-6366.

Other organizations such as the Chabad of Sheepshead Bay, the Chabad of Sea-Gate, the Chabad Jewish Center in Prospect Heights West and the Yeshivah Ohel Sarah of Flatbush will be having their own Purim festivities. For more information, visit Chabad.org.

For those looking for a more extravagant Purim party, the Walt Whitman Theatre located at Brooklyn College, will be the scene of a “Mega Unity Purim Concert” on March 20 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature Gad Elbaz, Lips Schmeltzer, Nissim and Matt Dubb. Tickets range from $25-$150. For more information, call 718-951-4500.

Finally, the Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue, will host a Purim concert with the “Neo-Hasidic Hipster” instrumental group Zusha on March 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 the day of the show. You must be 21 years to attend. For more information, call 718-963-3369 or visit brooklynbowl.com.