By Simon Katz
JCC Membership and Program Associate

As we flip our calendars to March, one thing on most of our minds is how many more days until we can bid this foul weather adieu and welcome spring back into our lives. Fortunately, before we get to do that, there’s fun to turn our attention to: Purim! Mark your calendars to come to the JCC for the 2025 Community Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 9, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 

The celebration will feature carnival games and activities from 11 a.m.–noon. Kids can enjoy Drop-a-Latke, Mordechai’s Fishing Hole, Persian Putt-Putt, grogger making, a dance party, and other games and attractions. Following this carnival fun, be prepared for cuteness overload: the costume parade. Meanwhile, you can grab a delicious hamantaschen or purchase other snacks to enjoy (all food served will be kosher).

The community Purim celebration is particularly significant to me. My tenure working at the JCC began just after Purim last year, so this is the first carnival I have the pleasure of planning and executing. As much of a joy as that is for me, there’s another layer to my personal connection to this event. For those of you who know me from the front desk and elsewhere, you may be looking at one of the photos here and thinking that one of those kids looks familiar. Your suspicion is correct! That’s me wrapped in a bright blue blanket and holding a very DIY staff, attending the 2004 JCC Purim celebration with my preschool class. I believe my costume was supposed to be King Achashverosh, but it certainly takes a child’s imagination to fully sell that!

Having attended early childhood education at the JCC and now working here, I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with the building and the people. From talking with those who taught me to finding old pictures of myself on the walls, I’ve loved the experiences I’ve had here this past year. I’m excited now to be able to say that I am running an event that I attended as a child. 

I sincerely hope that you, faithful Hakol reader, and your family will join us at the Purim carnival this year. Who knows, perhaps your child will be planning the JCC’s Purim events in the future and will remember their experience from 2025. 

The Community Purim Carnival is free and open to the whole community. Adults who are not JCC members are required to bring photo ID for entry.