Purim is celebrated by the reading of the Scroll of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillat Esther, which relates the basic story of Purim. Under the rule of King Ahashuerus, Haman, the King’s prime minister, 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 the land from destruction. The reading of the Megillah is typically a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman’s name is read aloud. The significance in Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become – a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival against all odds.
We're looking for volunteers to help make this Purim a fantastic celebration for our community! There are many ways to get involved, whether you enjoy baking, cooking, organizing, or greeting guests. Let us know if you're willing to lend a hand.
Adult Pub Quiz Night
Thursday, March 13, 7-9 p.m.
It’s a clash of good and evil at our Adult Pub Quiz Night located at Temple Israel! Will you be the hero of the night or the mastermind plotting your way to victory?
Test your trivia skills on topics ranging from pop culture to Jewish history, and enjoy a menu of wings, nachos, and other delicious bar bites. Come in Costume (or don’t), read the megillah, and grab a drink as you team up for an unforgettable night. Whether you’re a caped crusader or a lovable scoundrel, bring your best game face for an evening of epic rivalries and even bigger laughs.
Gather your friends to form teams of 4-5, or let us help match you with a team. Each person will need to register. Costumes are encouraged, but not required (Our theme is Heroes vs. Villains)
This event is for ages 18+.
$20 per person (Early Bird Pricing through February 19).
$30 per person (From February 20 - March 6).
Registration Deadline is March 6.
Registration for donations opens on Sunday, February 2 and closes Sunday, March 2 (Reminders: You have to be logged into your ShulCloud account to purchase. Also the campaign does take time to load, so please be patient with the website).
What is Mishloach Manot? Mishloach Manot are gifts of food that friends (and prospective new friends!) exchange on Purim. We are instructed in the scroll of Esther (9:19) to send gifts to one another. We are excited to once again offer this opportunity to participate in this fun tradition and support Temple Israel. Every family will receive a special gift and card from Temple Israel.
This year, you will receive a Temple Israel lunch box, Israeli chips, Hamantaschen, Halva, Israeli Tea, a grogger, a mask, and a fruit bar.
How can you participate? If you would like to “sign” the card of someone’s Mishloach Manot so they know you are thinking of them, simply donate in increments of $10. At a maximum donation of $180 dollars, you will sign the card of the entire congregation.
When they receive their gift, they will see your name on their card and know you made a donation in their honor.
What is Reciprocity? It is the ultimate & easiest gift. If you select reciprocity and someone buys Mishloach Manot specifically for you, the campaign will automatically make sure that you return the favor and charge you $10 (There is still only a maximum cost of $180 total).
This year you will receive your card in the mail. You can pick up your gift at Temple Israel between March 9 - 23. If you are unable to pick up, please make arrangements with Allyson Genereux, agenereux@templeisraelomaha.com
Looking to Volunteer?
Reach out to Allyson Genereux to learn about our Hamantaschen Bake on February 27!
The Purim Raffle is a HUGE fundraiser for Temple Israel's Educational Programming. With your help, we will be able to provide Jewish Education to our community. We are raffling off some absolutely INCREDIBLE prizes to do so.
All of our PreK through Grade 7 students are selling tickets. This year, raffle tickets are solely sold online and you can buy tickets based upon the prizes you want to win! We are running our raffle through Zeffy. Upon check out, it will automatically add a percentage point to cover fees. This is not a requirement, please donate to the fees at your own discretion.
This year’s prizes include:
- Omaha Children’s Museum Family Admission Pass
- Henry Doorly Zoo Four Daytime Admission Tickets
- 2025 Husker Football Game Package
- $100 Shwayder Camp Gift Card with Swag
- $500 SABRA Camp Gift Card for New Campers
- Omaha Symphony Package
- Havdallah for one Family with Rabbi Sharff
- A Morning at the Makery with Rabbi Berezin & Family
- Spa Experience with Manicure & Pedicure with Cantor Alexander and two friends
and many more!!
Tickets are $5 each. The prize drawings will take place during the Temple Israel Purim Carnival. You do not need to be present to win.
This episode of Purim is called Spiel (A Bluey Megillah).
Oh biscuits! It’s that time of year again! Don’t slip on your beans as you enter the Sanctuary, mate! Our favorite Blue Heelers will “keepy-uppey” your spirits with this year’s Purim Spiel. It doesn’t cost a single dollarbuck to watch Queen Esther prevent a nation of squibs from falling into Haman’s dastardly trap! Don’t worry, we won’t keep trying to teach you things you don’t want to learn.
We’ll see you there! It’s not that trifficult.
We’re excited for what this year’s carnival brings! We have a variety of games and activities for all interests and ages. Purchase your meal cards and tickets here.
This year’s Carnival Games include:
- Bounce House (1 Game Card Punch)
- Cotton Candy ( 2 Game Card Punches)
- Par One Golf (2 Game Card Punches)
- Spin Art (3 Game Card Punches)
- Face Painting (5 Game Card Punches)
- Tattoo Artist (5 Game Card Punches)
- and 10+ more!!
Game Cards will be used for all activities at the Carnival. Most activities will cost 1-4 punches. All activities will be labeled with their “punch cost” and their potential winnings! One game card will have 20 punches and cost $10. We recommend at least one game card per child.
Turn those tickets you win in the games and activities into some stellar prizes! From 1 ticket all the way up to 40 tickets, everyone’s a winner!
Put on your best costume to compete in our Annual Costume Competition. Prizes will be broken up the following categories
- Ages 0-4
- Ages 5-12
- Ages 13-18
- Family Costume
We will once again be serving a meal during the carnival. The cost of a meal card is $5 and will get you a hot dog, a bag of chips, hamantaschen, and a drink!