Purim at Temple Emanu-El
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Join Temple E for Purim Carnival and Spiel on March 1st, 2026 from 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM. More information to come.
What is Purim?
With celebrations including costumes, skits and songs, noisemakers, and gifts of food, Purim is full of fun! Purim is a joyous holiday that affirms and celebrates Jewish survival and continuity throughout history.
The Book of Esther tells the story of Purim: Under the rule of King Ahashverosh, Haman, the king's adviser, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of Persia from destruction.
The significance of Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become: a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival.
Get Ready for Purim with us!
Carnival
Purchase Tickets - Jump into the Carnival excitement sooner—purchase your tickets here!
Volunteer Registration - We need your help to make Purim Carnival run smoothly and create magical memories for our community! We need help both before and during Purim Carnival.
Vendor Registration - Add to the fun and register to be a vendor at our craft fair.
Matanot l'evyonim (gifts to those in need)
In giving – and in the larger sense of pursuing social justice – we recognize the need to address the inequalities we see in our society. By engaging in social action on Purim, we hope to help erase the hierarchy of the haves and the have-nots in our world. During this time of revelry and fun, of forgetting our usual inhibitions and turning our usual routines on their heads, let us also remember that we have the power to transform the lives of those who are suffering, to turn their days of mourning into days of joy.
Your donations to the Hawaii Food Bank will help provide essential support to families and individuals facing food insecurity in our community. Participate by contributing one of the top five most needed items: monetary donations, canned protein, canned meals (soups, stews), canned fruits and veggies, and bags of rice.
Click here for the link to Temple Emanu-El's drive to make a financial donation. Just $10 helps provide food for 21 meals.
Events
| Sat., February 7th, 2026 | Bake Hamantaschen with Jackie Lau | 4:00 PM |
| Click here to register! | ||
| Sun., February 22nd, 2026 | Adult Learning: The King and I with Rabbi CJ | 10:00 AM |
| Click here to register! | ||
| Sun., March 1st, 2026 | Purim Spiel | 1:00 PM |
| "May The Farce Be With You" |
Calling all Volunteers!
We need your help to make Purim Carnival run smoothly and create fun memories for our community! We need help both before and during Purim Carnival.
Register to volunteer at the Purim Carnival here!
Purim Carnival Schedule
| 9:30 AM |
Carnival Opens! - Games - Activities - Bounce House - Food Trucks - Craft Fair and Vendors - Silent Auction - Megillah on View |
| 10:00 AM |
- Keiki Costume Parade (open for our keiki and families with kids) - Musical Dessert Game (will occur every 15 minutes until noon!) |
| 11:00 AM |
- Drag Queen Storytime (Youth Lounge) - Bingo Game - Prize Room Opens |
| 11:45 AM |
- Adult Costume Contest (Best Jewish Theme and Best Overall) - Silent Auction Ends |
| 12:00 PM |
- The Great Hamantaschen Cooke Bake-Off *no baking on premises - Prize Room Closes - Games and Activity Stations Close |
| 1:00 PM |
- Spiel (May the Farce be with You!) - Craft Fair Ends - Food Trucks Close |
| 1:30 PM | - Carnival Closes |
Vendors
Food Vendors:
- Mala- Be Mediterrean Treats
- Tali’s Bagels & Schmear
- Veggi Dogs
Visit our Craft Vendors at the Shushan Shuk (market):
- Hawaiian Hounds Dog Treats
- Edelstein Metalsmiths Jewelry
- Random Acts of Living
- Hoapili Designs (wood craft, cork trivet and cork coasters)
- Elycia Fine Boutique
- Magic Island Literary Works
Games, Activities, and more during Carnival
Games:
- Duck Pluck
- Lollipop Tree
- Haman’s Beard Shaving
- Hamantaschen Toss
- Bowling
- Putt Putt Golf
- Pie in the Eye
- Ping Pong Plink
- Mort’s Horse Race
- Horseshoes
- Dunk Tank
- Sensory Bin
- Penny Toss
- Wheel of Purim
- Guess the filling flavor
- Megillah Wrap Race
- Guess the grogger sound
- Knock Down Haman Water Game
Purim Activities/Tables:
- Ga Ga Game
- Vashti’s Salon (nails, hair and makeup)
- Melty Beads
- Bracelet making
- Coloring Station
- Shushan City Lego Build
- Feats of strength (arm wrestling)
- Purim Book Nook Area
- Shushan Castle Cup Puzzle
- Corn Hole
- Ridiculously large lawn games -Jenga, Connect 4, etc
Activities:
- Drag Queen Story time
- Bounce House
- Hamantaschen Cookie Bake-Off
- Costume Contest
- Keiki Costume Parade
- Musical Desserts (sponsored by Hadassah)
- Craft Fair
- Silent Auction
- Megillah on view
- Spiel
- Prize Room