Washington is badly in need of an emotional release. Thankfully, Purim — the Jewish holiday that best offers an opportunity to blow off steam — is right around the corner. Washington will welcome the holiday, which begins at sundown on March 11, with Megillah readings, noise making, hamantashen eating, costumes and revelry. Many of these events are targeted at young adults, but others welcome the whole family. They promise to be joyous, and sometimes rowdy.
Before Purim, on March 8, young adults groups including Moishe House and the young professionals groups of Washington Hebrew Congregation and Congregation Adas Israel in Washington will join for a happy hour. Proceeds will go to charity. March 8 at 6:30 p.m.; Hawthorne, 1336 U St. NW, Washington, $10 in advance, $15 at the door; whctemple.org.
Sixth and I Historic Synagogue will host its annual Purim party, this year called “Grogger and Glow.” It will include a full Megillah reading and Purimshpiel (satirical skit) followed by a black-light dance party, beer pong and a dessert bar. Revelers are encouraged to wear costumes. March 11 at 7 p.m.; Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW, Washington; $15; sixthandi.org.
The Moishe Houses of the Washington area will join for a Casino Royale-themed Purim party at Bar Deco. Drink specials including the Mordechai Mojito and the Vashti Vodka Soda will be served. March 11 at 9 p.m.; Bar Deco, 717 6th St. NW, Washington, free; moishehouse.org.
Adas Israel will also host a series of events with an Upside Down theme, including two separate Megillah readings on March 11. They will be followed by the most upside down of meals, breakfast for dinner, and a rooftop party with a DJ. If you get overwhelmed by all the groggers (or noise makers), there will be a “low sensory space” available. March 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Adas Israel Congregation, 2850 Quebec St. NW, Washington; free; adasisrael.org/purim.
On March 12, Sephardic Heritage in D.C. will host a Purim and Persian New Year celebration, benefiting the resettlement organization HIAS. The party will fuse genres — expect hip hop, dance, Middle Eastern and Persian music — and people are welcome to bring their own hookahs. March 12 at 8 p.m.; Rendezvous Lounge, 2226 18th St. NW, Washington; $5 in advance; shindc.org.
Like other congregations in the Washington area, Adas Israel will also host more family-oriented events, including a pajama party on March 11 and a carnival for children and families on March 12. Other family-oriented events include Temple Emanuel in Kensington’s annual Purim carnival and Temple Rodef Sholom in Falls Church’s annual movie-themed carnival, both on March 12.
