Purim Events and Celebrations Around Atlanta
Purim, the Jewish holiday celebrating victory over oppression, begins at sundown on March 2. This joyous holiday honors the salvation of the Jews from the wicked Haman, through the leadership of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai. Due to her courage and role in saving the Jews, the story is known as “Megilla Esther,” or the Scroll of Esther.
Elaborate festivals of food, music and games are held during Purim. Adults and children wear costumes, and charitable gifts, usually food, are given. The Scroll of Esther is read aloud. The villain Haman was known for his triangular hats, so hamantaschen, triangular cookies filled with fruit jam, are eaten.
Purim Celebrations Around Atlanta
Purim Parade & Festival at Congregation Beth Jacob
Enjoy food trucks, go on a pony ride, play in the obstacle course and more. Feb. 22.
Purim Carnival at Temple Beth Tikvah
Make crafts, have your face painted, play games, bounce on inflatables and more. March 1.
Atlanta Jewish Life Festival at Georgia Aquarium
Celebrate Jewish and Israeli arts, food, music and cultural experiences by connecting with local synagogues, nonprofits and social action groups. March 1.
Hamantaschen Bake & Take in Intown Atlanta
Kids and adults will work together to mix, fill and shape delicious hamantaschen together. March 1.
Purim Carnival at Congregation Shearith Israel
Celebrate at this exciting carnival with games, optional lunch, hamantaschen, and fun for all ages. March 1.
Purim Boardwalk Intown at Chabad Intown
This carnival will feature a festive dinner, Megillah reading, raffles, prizes and more. March 2.
Purim Celebration at MJCCA Zaban Park
Children are encouraged to wear costumes for Purim, songs, special performances, games, activities, crafts and more. March 3.
Purim Carnival at Congregation Or VeShalom
Inflatables, carnival games, a petting zoo and more. March 3.
80s Big Play Purim at Big Play ATL
From Mitzvah House, enjoy an 1980s-themed party with games, activities and more. March 3.
Purim Carnival at The Temple
Celebrate with a “Wizard of Oz” carnival. March 8.
Making Hamantaschen
2/3 cup butter
½ cup sugar
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla
2½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
Dash of salt
Filling: jar of flavored jam
Cream the butter and sugar. Add egg and continue creaming until smooth.
Add the vanilla. Stir in the sifted flour, baking powder and salt until a ball of dough is formed (a food processor is excellent for this).
Chill for 2-3 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Taking 1/4 of the dough, roll out on a lightly floured board to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut circles of dough with a drinking glass or round cookie-cutter. With your finger put water around the rim of the circle. Fill with 1 teaspoon of poppyseed filling or flavored jam (raspberry and apricot are popular flavors) and fold into three-cornered cookies. (Press two sides together, and then fold the third side over and press the ends together.)
Bake on a well-greased cookie sheet 10-16 minutes, until the tops are golden. Makes 36 cookies.
—From the The Jewish Holiday Kitchen
