Purim event calendar 2013

ALL AGES

FRI | FEB 22

TEMPLE JUDEA
A three-day carnival includes rides, food, games and a kids’ zone. Fri. Through Feb 24. Presale: $17 (20 tickets), $35 (Friday wristband), $25 (Saturday wristband), $45 (Sunday wristband); day-of prices: $1.25 (per-ride ticket), $20 (20-ride tickets), $40 (50-ride tickets, Friday wristband, Saturday wristband), $50 (Sunday wristband). Temple Judea, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. (818) 758-3800. templejudea.com.

SAT | FEB 23

“PURIM PANDEMON!UM”
University Synagogue’s carnival features Moe Deli and Canter’s food trucks, games, rides, prizes and more. Fun for kids and adults alike. Sat. 5-9 p.m. $20 (presale), $25 (door). University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 472-1255. unisyn.org.

“HAMEN’S HOLLYWOOD”
Join Kehillat Ma’arav for a megillah reading, raffle, dinner, costume parade, a game of “Hamen’s Hollywood Squares” and more. Sat. 6 p.m. Free. Kehillat Ma’arav, 1715 21st St., Santa Monica. (310) 829-0566. km-synagogue.org.

“SHUSHAN IDOL”
Beth Chayim Chadashim’s Purim bash features musical performances by mystery celebrity guests, a multilingual reading of the megillah, multimedia storytelling of the book of Esther and a sing-along. Sat. 6 p.m. (bring your dinner), 6:30-7 p.m. (children’s festivities), 7 p.m. (Havdalah, “Shushan Idol” and megillah reading). Free. Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6090 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 931-7023. bcc-la.org.

NASHUVA
The progressive congregation stages a megillah rock opera. Sat. 6:30 p.m. Free. Location TBD. nashuva.com.

“PURIM GRAMMY’S”
Sinai Temple’s Purim-themed sendup of the annual music awards show features Sinai staff and students doing impersonations of the some of biggest pop stars, including Taylor Swift, Cee Lo Green, Rihanna, Maroon 5 and Carly Rae Jepsen. Traditional megillah reading follows. Sat. 6:30 p.m. (Havdalah and show). Free. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518. sinaitemple.org.

SEPHARDIC TEMPLE
Games, rides, prizes and other entertainment highlight the Conservative synagogue’s carnival. Sat. 6:30 p.m. $10 (member, presale), $14 (members, door), $15 (general, presale), $20 (general, door). Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel, 10500 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 475-7000. sephardictemple.org.

“LES MIZ-SHUGINAH GIRL”
Congregation Kol Ami’s Purim spiel is a classic tale of love, politics and the Academy Awards. Sat. 7-10 p.m. Free. Congregation Kol Ami, 1200 N. La Brea Ave., West Hollywood. (323) 606-0996. kol-ami.org.

“A NIGHT AT THE ESTHERS”
Shomrei Torah’s Oscar-themed Purim spiel and party features live music and entertainment, clips from the best picture nominees, photo opportunities and more. Walk the red carpet in your Esther’s best. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Free. Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 346-0811. Stsonline.org.

BETH JACOB CONGREGATION
Games and prizes, a costume contest, dancing, a dunk tank, food, moon bounce, music and rock climbing highlight the Orthodox synagogue’s Purim carnival. Sat. 7:30 p.m. (immediately after a megillah reading). Free entry. Beth Jacob Congregation, 9030 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 795-3857. bethjacob.org/eventscalendar.html.

“FIFTY SHADES OF PURIM”
Larger Than Life, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children who have cancer, celebrates Purim — and its 10th anniversary — with food, drinks, a costume contest and surprises. DJ Eyal spins. Sat. 8 p.m. $85. Unici Casa Gallery, 9461 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City. (818) 887-7640. largerthanlifela.com/purim/purim_2013.php.

TEMPLE ALIYAH
Aliyah’s Purim carnival, which lasts two days this year, features a battle-of-the-bands for middle school and high school students — the winning band gets four hours of studio recording time — rides, games and more. Sat. 8-11 p.m. (battle-of-the-bands), Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Presale: $65 (unlimited all-day ride bracelet — Saturday and Sunday), $40 (unlimited all-day ride bracelet — Saturday night only), $45 (unlimited all-day ride bracelet — Sunday only). Temple Aliyah, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 346-3545. templealiyah.org.

SUN | FEB 24

JUSTICE CARNIVAL
Join progressive congregation IKAR for family-friendly fun and activities. Sun. 10 a.m. $15 (members), $20 (general). Adult admission included. IKAR, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 634-1870. ikar-la.org.

PURIMland
Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s religious school’s carnival features food, arts and crafts, a bake sale, a Candyland zone and more. Sun. 10 a.m. $55 (wristband, presale), $65 (wristband, door). Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Audrey and Sydney Irmas Campus, 11661 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 388-2401. wbtla.org.

TEMPLE AKIBA
A petting zoo, video game stations, food, games, prizes and a silent auction highlight the Culver City synagogue’s carnival. Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $10 (24 tickets, presale). Temple Akiba, 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. (310) 398-5783. templeakiba.net.

“THE SULTAN OF OZ”
Valley Beth Shalom’s Purim carnival features games, prizes, attractions and food. All proceeds benefit VBS Israel programs and summer camp financial aid. Sun. 10 a.m-3 p.m. Free entry. Valley Beth Shalom, Ventura parking lot, Malkin-Burdorf Hall and Glaser Hall. (818) 788-6000. vbs.org.

SHOMREI TORAH
Rides, games, food and more highlight Shomrei Torah Synagogue’s carnival and street fair. Sun. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pre-sale: $70 (family fun pack), $25 (wristband), $18 (20 tickets). Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 346-0811. stsonline.org.

STEPHEN S. WISE TEMPLE
Rides, food, a raffle and more highlight what is one of the Reform synagogue’s largest fundraisers and most popular volunteer days. Sun. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $36 (presale). Adult admission is free, but scrip must be purchased for food, rides and games. Stephen S. Wise Temple, 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 889-2300. wisela.org.

BETH SHIR SHALOM
A moon bounce, snow cones, dunk tank, face painting, bake sale and games highlight the Santa Monica congregation’s Purim carnival. Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free entry. Beth Shir Shalom, 1827 California Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 453-3361. bethshirshalom.org.

LEO BAECK TEMPLE
Live music, hamantashen, games, prizes and more highlight Leo Baeck’s spiel and carnival. Sun. 11 a.m. Free entry. Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org.

TEMPLE EMANUEL
Pinkberry, In-N-Out Burger, Sprinkles Cupcakes — these are just some of the food choices at Emanuel’s annual Purim carnival. Other highlights include the Aquarium of the Pacific on wheels, a “Diva Makeover” station, an inflatable rock hall and more. Rain or shine. Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Presale: $100 (120 tickets), $75 (90 tickets), $50 (60 tickets). Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, Steinbaum Burton Way Building, 8844 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. (818) 849-5737. tebh.org.

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD
Activities for all ages highlight the Hollywood synagogue’s carnival. Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Presale: $100 (135 tickets), $75 (100 tickets), $50 (67 tickets), $25 (33 tickets). Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 876-8330. tioh.org.

“THE WHOLE MEGILLAH”
Temple Ahavat Shalom’s Mardi Gras-style carnival features food trucks, games, rides and more. Includes a wine tasting for adults. Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $45 (all-inclusive, presale), $50 (all inclusive, day of event). Other pricing options available. Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. (818) 360-2258. tasnorthridge.org/purim.

TEMPLE ADAT ELOHIM
More than 20 rides, games and attractions highlight Adat Elohim’s Purim bash. Sun. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $15 (presale), $20 (door).  Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-7101. adatelohim.org.

TUE | FEB 26

“PURIM AT THE PIER”
Kehillat Israel’s Purim celebration includes rides, games, food and more. Tue. 4-8 p.m. $30 (wristband, includes free dinner), $10 (game swipe card) $25 (three-game swipe card). Pacific Park, 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. (310) 459-2328. ourki.org.

SUN | MARCH 3

TEMPLE BETH AM
Rides, games, a magic show and arts and crafts highlight Beth Am’s carnival. The synagogue needs 150 volunteers to run the event. Sun. 11 a.m. $10 (tickets), $50 (wristbands). Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-7353. tbala.org.

ADULTS AND/OR YOUNG ADULTS

SAT | FEB 23

“A MAGICAL PURIM EXTRAVAGANZA”
Temple Adat Elohim’s party features three magicians (stage, parlor and close-up) from the Magic Castle performing illusions and prestidigitation. Includes live auction, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and no-host bar. Sat. 6 p.m. (hors d’oeuvres and cocktails), 7:30 p.m. (magic show). $50. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-7101. adatelohim.org.

“PURIM IN THE VALLEY”
Valley Ruach’s carnival exclusively for young professionals features an inflatable gladiator joust, arcade basketball, a costume contest, raffle, silent auction, carnival games and open bar with beer, wine and well drinks. Ages 21-39 only. Sat. 6:45 p.m. (megillah reading with Adat Ari El community), 8 p.m. (carnival), 9 p.m. (joust tournament), 9:30 p.m. (basketball tournament). 10:30 p.m. (costume contest). $25 (presale), $30 (door). Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. (818) 835-2139. valleyruach.org.

“PROM NIGHT PURIM”
Bring out the tuxes and gowns to relive that iconic evening, as Leo Baeck Temple’s truly post-adolescent event features music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and more.  Sat. 7 p.m. $20. Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org.

THE GROUNDLINGS
Performing a show created exclusively for Wilshire Boulevard Temple, the nationally acclaimed comedy troupe presents improvisations on the story of Esther. For teens and adults only. Sat. 7-8:45 p.m. (Korean barbecue buffet and no-host bar), 7:45-8:45 p.m. (Groundlings Improv show and megillah reading). Free. Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Temple campus, 3663 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (424) 208-8932. wbtla.org.

“THE PURIM PROM”
AtidLA’s party for young professionals features a live DJ, food, a costume contest and more. JSpace co-sponsors. Sat. 9 p.m. $18 (advance), $25 (door). Tiato, 2700 Colorado Ave., No. 190, Santa Monica. (310) 481-3244. atidla.com.

JUSTICE CARNIVAL
Join progressive congregation IKAR for a night of Purim-themed debauchery, with drinks, games and light snacks. Sat. 9 p.m. $20 (members, not including cash bar), $25 (general, not including cash bar). IKAR, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 634-1870. ikar-la.org.

“QUEEN ESTHER’S MASQUERADE BALL”
Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock throws a party with an open bar, live DJ and dancing until 2 a.m. Hip-hop artist AB SOTO performs. 21 and older. Sat. 9 p.m. $30. Highland Park Mason Building, 104. N. Avenue 56, Los Angeles. (323) 255-5416, tbila.org/purim.

PURIMPALOOZA X: “DISCO FEVER”
Dust off the polyester, platforms and Jewfros and head down to Steingarten LA, a gourmet beer garden, for a ’70s-themed party. Organized by JConnectLA. 21 and older. Sat. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. (megillah readings at 10:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.). $10 (advance), $20 (door). Steingarten L.A., 10543 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 277-5544. jconnectla.com/2013/02/purimpalooza-x-disco-fever.

SUN | FEB 24

THE SHANGRI LA PURIM BALL
Celebrate Purim — and the Jewish state — at the Creative Zionist Coalition’s party in Santa Monica. The evening includes an open wine-and-beer bar, hors d’oeuvres, a program honoring pro-Israel bloggers Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer, and more. Sun. 5 p.m. (hors d’oeuvres), 6 p.m. (program and dancing). Hotel Shangri-La, 1301 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. creativezionistcoalition.org.