Purium celebrations across the community


Chabad of the Conejo will host a Mexican-style Purim Fiesta at 4:30 p.m. Thurs., March 1 at the Chabad Community Campus, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills.

The fiesta will include a Mexican dinner, child and adult masquerade in Mexican attire, a mariachi band, children’s show, kosher piñata and the reading of the megillah (scroll of Esther).

Dinner reservations are $18 for adults and $12 for children.

Call (818) 991-0991 or visit jewishacademy.com to make reservations or for information.

Purim is a Jewish holiday commemorating an event that took place 23 centuries ago, when the Persian Empire dominated the civilized world.

An evil chamberlain, Haman, devised a plot to annihilate the Jewish people.

But on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, they were delivered from Haman’s decree.

Each year on Purim the Jewish people celebrate the victory with feasting and merriment.

“Wickedness and evil can not and will not prevail,” said Rabbi Moshe Bryski of Chabad. “Ultimately it is faith, truth and goodness that survive the test of time.”

Readings of the megillah will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 28, as well as 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thurs., March 1 at the Chabad Center in Agoura.

Traditionally, Jews share gifts of food, called “shalach monot,” with one another on Purim, distribute charity to the poor and needy, and participate in a festive meal.

For more information regarding Chabad’s Purim activities, call (818) 991-0991 or go online to ChabadConejo.com/ Purim.

Temple Etz Chaim will host the following activities for the festival of Purim at 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

The Purim Carnival will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 25.

The carnival will have activities, food and a costume contest.

Purim Megillah (scroll) reading will take place from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Wed., Feb. 28.

Participants can dress in costume. Hamentaschen (pastries) will be available.

Call (805) 497-6891 or go to templeetzchaim.org for more information.