Celebrating the magic of Purim
Communities spread festival joy with costumes, parades, sing-a-longs, hamantaschen, Megillah readings, crafts and spiels
Communities across the UK celebrated the festival of Purim on Wednesday.
Camp Simcha marked the holiday with vibrant celebrations for families across London and Manchester, bringing joy and connection to children and parents facing serious illness. In London, more than 300 family members gathered at indoor theme park Babylon Park on Sunday for an afternoon of face-painting, balloon modelling, art sensory activities and Mishloach Manot packed by volunteers from the charity’s B’nei Mitzvah programme. Spielers and Camp Simcha volunteers and staff were also out in force on the streets of Edgware and Golders Green.
Meanwhile in Manchester, hundreds attended the charity’s annual Purim rally, now running for over 15 years, together with Simi the Camp Simcha mascot, a juggler, stilt walkers and music.
Purim is always one of the highlights of Norwood’s annual calendar, marked with parties for residents of the organisation’s adult accommodations in London and Berkshire, where staff and residents come together in costume to enjoy festive food and music.
Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue welcomed the community’s children to an unforgettable day at Purimland, filled with magic and music. Families stepped into an immersive celebration inspired by the Purim story, with a costume parade down Mordechai Main Street. There was a spirited sing-along at Shushan Castle, hands-on crafts and interactive challenges in Ahasuerus’ Animal Kingdom, a Haman’s Haunted Mansion escape, and Esther’s Epcot, which featured a Frozen-themed dry ice experience. Children enjoyed lunch and hamantaschen, with the celebration continuing on Monday night with an Inside Out–themed Purim spiel, Megillah readings and Disney-themed cocktails.
Jewish Care families brought warmth and joy to the Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus with an intergenerational celebration filled with music and laughter; Independent Jewish Day School enjoyed their tenth Purim zumba with Move, Dancing with Louise. Funds raised will support Dance Therapy sessions for Jewish Care’s centres for people living with dementia supporting the older members of our community.
Over 90 young people and their parents attended a Sunday morning party of arts, crafts, fancy dress, music, games – and of course, hamantaschen, at Menorah Synagogue (Cheshire Reform Congregation) in South Manchester to celebrate Purim. On Tuesday morning, ten members in fancy dress including Rabbi Kath Vardi, shared the reading of the Megillah.
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