Earlier this week, the Village Voice asked, “when did Purim become the coolest Jewish holiday ever?” Not sure about that. But one thing is certain: the Lower East Side is a great place to celebrate the story of Esther. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening in the hood this weekend (Purim begins Saturday night).
- Purim Family Concert at the Educational Alliance (Sunday 2-4pm): The Shul Band & Yosi perform. There will also be face painting, noisemakers and hamantaschen. Ages 2 to 8.
- Purim Bash at Capitale (Sunday 4pm): Sponsored by Chabad of the Lower East Side, this party features a traditional Purim feast (and an open bar for parents), a Megillah reading and entertainment by BubbleMania.
- Purim Megillat Esther Readings & Purim Party at the Eldridge Street Synagogue: Megillah readings Saturday at 630pm and Sunday at 9am. Saturday at about 8pm, Post-Megillah Musical Merriment with Hamantaschen Klezmorin, featuring musicians Inna Barmash and Ljova Zhurbin.
- Purim Family Celebration at the Soho Center for Jewish Life (Sunday 4-7pm): The Galli Theater sponsors this event which includes masquerade, dinner, a Megillah reading and hamantaschen. Reservations required.
- JDub’s Purim Party at The Suffolk (Saturday 9pm): The record company hosts this adults-only party. Performances by The Shondes, Gangsta Rabbi and a DJ set from Ultragrrrl. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
And maybe most important of all — where to get the best hamantaschen: Moishe’s (115 2nd Avenue), 9th Street Bakery (350 East 9th).
