Dena Fox, 10, loves Purim. “On Purim, I love that happiness is everywhere,” she told J. “I love seeing people smile!”

So when J. gave Dena a camera to document the holiday, she was excited. “Life can be so serious, but on a day like Purim, happiness comes out,” she said, adding, “You should celebrate Purim, even if you’re not Jewish!”

Dena, who is in fourth grade at the Brandeis School of San Francisco, was one of 20 “kid reporters” across the Jewish Bay Area given the same assignment: to capture Jewish joy through a camera lens.

Dressed up as fairies, ’80s aerobics instructors, KPop Demon Hunters and the like, the kid reporters also wore press badges and carried disposable cameras. Ranging in age from 7 to 10, they represented three JCCs, three Jewish day schools and one Chabad.

Dena, who dressed up as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz,” told J. she felt “just like Esther — strong, Jewish and fierce!”

We didn’t give much direction. We simply encouraged our reporters to take pictures of whatever excited them — be it a cool costume, a baby watching bubbles or a grown-up acting goofy. 

The results, as we had hoped, were delightfully varied in focus. 

Though disposable cameras were foreign to most of our young reporters, at least two happened to have the same experience using them. Dena and Gabby Turetsky, 9, from Wornick Jewish Day School in Foster City, both have used disposable cameras to take pictures of their summers at URJ Camp Newman.

When taking photos at her school’s Purim celebration, Gabby noticed details about the costumes. “Their costumes kind of tell me things that they like and stuff,” she told J. 

“Before I went to JCCSF for Purim, I thought it was just a cool thing that my school did,” Dena said. “But this year, I realized that there’s a big community celebrating this holiday.” 

If you’re ever in need of a boost of Jewish joy, just peruse these photo galleries below, organized by location.

Brandeis School of S.F.

Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

Chabad of Contra Costa

JCCSF

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School

Contra Costa JCC

JCC East Bay

Thanks to all of our wonderful kid reporters — Abigail Frankenstein, Adam Hamer, Aleeza Kinder, Alianna Snell-Rood, Aimee Nevelev, Ari Goodman, Ari Peak, Aviva Bridgland, Ayla Deljo, Daniel Rimon, Dena Fox, Gabby Turetsky, Gil Israeli, Juniper Sepke, Lily Bercovici, Liv Levin, Miri Farber-Drabkin, Miriam Esterson, Raina Pilania, Rena Loeb, Ron Levin, Skyler Cohen; and Tom Levin.

And special thanks to our community partners who helped with the project — Sarina Fierro at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School; Annie O’Donnell at Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School; Rabbi Genevieve Greinetz at Brandeis School of San Francisco; Gayle Lidman and Lorenn Kassel at JCCSF; Sarah Balagey at Congregation Emanu-El; Gravity Goldberg at JCC East Bay; Olga Zak and Ella Levin at CCJCC; and Rabbi Boruch Hecht at Chabad of Contra Costa. And a shoutout to Photoworks, the San Francisco business that developed the photos and taught us a thing or two about organizing 500 images.

(JTA) — JERUSALEM — As the sun rose over Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, sirens rang out, signaling yet another incoming missile attack from Iran.

This time, it coincided with the morning of Shushan Purim, as thousands of Israelis gathered — despite a prohibition on public gatherings — to read the Megillah and fulfill the mitzvah of hosting a reading after sunrise on the day of Purim.

Purim in Jerusalem, known as Shushan Purim, takes place a day later than in the rest of the world due to its status as a walled city during the time of the holiday’s story, when the Jews in Shushan, also a walled city located in what is now Susa, Iran, fought for their survival a day longer than Jews elsewhere in the kingdom.

Emergency regulations imposed by Home Front Command ban large gatherings, even in shelters, but Israelis have eschewed the restrictions to continue their celebrations. Top rabbis in Israel encouraged Israelis to follow government guidelines but opined that Zoom readings do not fulfill the requirement under Jewish law to hear the Megillah read in a prayer quorum. On Tuesday, Israelis across the country celebrated Purim in bomb shelters and underground parking garages, many of which are rated to withstand bombs dropped from above.

Just a few hours after the air raid alert ended on Wednesday, Jerusalemites could be seen wandering the streets, some intoxicated and others wearing costumes — or both — to celebrate the public holiday.

Two yeshiva students from New Jersey said, while waiting to catch a light rail train into the city, that they “were not worried at all about the missiles. We check our phones and go to the shelter.”

In the haredi neighborhood of Mea Shearim, life continued largely as normal. Children wandered the streets wearing costumes, and families walked into synagogues for Shacharit services, with prayers echoing through the streets.

In more secular neighborhoods, friends gathered to drink and celebrate the holiday, with some describing a “waiting game” to get their drinking in before another missile is launched and they have to head back to the shelter.

An ultra-Orthodox man celebrates in the streets of Mea Shearim, holding wine in one hand and showing a thumbs up with the other. The official commandment from the Torah is to drink until one cannot tell the difference between “cursed is Haman” and “blessed is Mordecai.”

Amber, Maya and Vicky kept their family shop open on Jaffa Street despite the threat of missiles. You Need Coffee has been open at its current location since 2011, and Maya described how “during the last war our business took a really big hit, and it’s something we expected this time, but the community keeps showing up.”

Vicky added, “They need their coffee, and we know our customers, so there’s a sense of we’re all in this together. Plus, we have a shelter in the basement, so it’s safer here than anywhere else.”

This is the second full-scale war with Iran in the last nine months, but all of the workers in the shop said they were willing yet again to deal with the consequences for the “freedom of the Iranian people.”

A family wearing matching costumes waits to catch the light rail into the Jerusalem city center. Public transportation in Israel is operating at limited capacity due to the war. The light rail had been closed since the war’s start but reopened on Wednesday.

A child who lives in Beit Yisrael, a haredi neighborhood in central Jerusalem, poses for a photo to show off his IDF soldier costume.

Children walk down the streets of Mea Shearim with their parents as they shop for goodies to celebrate the holiday. Pashkevils, or public announcements, cover the walls and communicate rabbinical rulings and other public information.

A Beit Yisrael family poses for a photo showing off their Purim costumes.

A man wearing a bunny costume walks in the streets of Mea Shearim, where not everyone was in costume for the holiday. Still, Yiddish techno music could be heard echoing off the brick walls of the neighborhood from the parties taking place there.

On Etz Hayim Street, just outside the Jerusalem shuk, a young Israeli poses to show off his costume — one half Israeli soldier, the other half sporting a suit.

One of the commandments for the Purim holiday is to give tzedakah, or charity to the poor — matanot la’evyonim — which requires giving to at least two people in need on the holiday. A young boy waits on the street, asking passersby for donations.

So much happens in our community every day that it can be hard to sift through all of the events. We’re highlighting a few here, in every corner of the Jewish Bay Area, to get you started. You can find many more in J.’s online calendar. If you have a community event you’d like to share, go to J.’s “submit a calendar event” page.

SAN FRANCISCO

Saturday | March 7
Purim Night Out — Sha’ar Zahav’s young adult group (20s-30s) hosts a costume party with cocktails, nosh, Megillah reading and mingling. At Skylark Bar, 3089 16th St., S.F. 6-9 p.m. Free, RSVP required.

“Afternoon of Feminist Art + Action” — Artist Tiffany Shlain discusses her moveable monument “Dendrofemonology: A Feminist History Tree Ring,” with Nancy Pelosi and additional speakers. Program supported by Nancy O’Reilly of Women Connect4Good and Piraye Yurttas Beim of Eve’s Ark. At di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, 1150 25th St., S.F. 2- 5 p.m. Free.

NORTH BAY

Friday | March 6
“Black and Jewish: My Life & Leadership Journey” — Guest Paula Pretlow tells her story, from Muskogee Creek heritage in Oklahoma, to converting to Judaism and becoming a Jewish leader. Shabbat and meal followed by speaker. At Congregation Shomrei Torah, 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 6:15-8 p.m. $22 members, $28 nonmembers, kids 13 and under free.

Sunday | March 22
“Embracing Our Neighbors: Immigrant Stories and How to Help” — Community members speak about the impact of ICE raids and immigration policies affecting immigrants’ ability to work, get health care, send their children to school, etc., plus concrete ways to help. At Congregation Shomrei Torah, 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 1-3 p.m. Virtual option. Free.

EAST BAY

Sunday | March 8
Purim Party and Parade — Celebration for families with children up to age 5 with costume parade, decorating mishloach manot (gift bags), music, puppets. Bring a can of food to donate. Presented by Jewish Baby Network and Kehilla Community Synagogue. At Dracena Quarry Park, 130 Dracena Ave., Piedmont. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free.

Wednesday | March 18
“The Wise Parent Within Us” — Workshop with coach Elana Reinin exploring parenting styles and tools to empower parents and children. Co-sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel in Berkeley, Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, Edah–JCC East Bay, and Oakland Hebrew Day School. At 5500 Redwood Road, Oakland. 7:30-9 p.m. Free; registration required.

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

Sunday | March 8
“International Women’s Day: Invest in You” — Learn about women who found strength through fashion during World War II. Followed by a tea party and accessories swap. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $18.

Purim Palooza with Jewish Baby Network — Families with kids up to age 5 are invited to celebrate at Peninsula Temple Sholom with a costume parade, hamantaschen and goodie bags. At 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame. 3:30-5 p.m. Free.

Purim is just around the corner (or perhaps three corners). The holiday starts at sundown March 2, but there’s no reason to postpone the party. Pull out your costume and check out the festivities hosted by congregations and communities in every corner of the Bay Area. There’s something for everyone, from family-friendly carnivals to hamantaschen baking to adults-only soirees. 

Did we miss any? Let us know at events@jweekly.com. 

Tuesday | February 24

Making Hamantaschen with Moishe House Marina — Hands-on baking workshop for young adults — make Purim cookies to donate to Jewish Family and Children’s Services clients in need. Suggested donation $18-$36 to support JFCS food bank. S.F. location given with registration. 6-8 p.m.

Friday | February 27

“Sea You There” — Ocean-themed Purim party for the Israeli community organized by the Israeli Cultural Connection. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8:30-11:45 p.m. $55.

“Purim Spiel: Pulse, Pulse, Glitch!” — Chochmat HaLev and performance troupe Well of Wills present a “divine dystopian comedy” reimagining of the Book of Esther. At 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 8:30-10 p.m. Also Feb. 28 and March 1, 7:30-9 p.m. $39-$95.

Purim Shabbat — Congregation Sherith Israel celebration features Elton John singalong spiel, Shabbat service, and 175th anniversary party with games, treats and libations. Come in costume. At 2266 California St., S.F. 6-7:15 p.m. Free.

Sunday | March 1

Queen Esther’s Banquet—Congregation Beth Israel’s Sisterhood invites women to their celebration subtitled “Return to Shushan” with food, music by the Qadim Ensemble and dancing. At 1630 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 7 p.m. $65.

Purim Carnival—Congregation Beth David’s celebration featuring bounce house, treats, arts and crafts, games with prizes. At 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. 10:15 a.m. Free.

“Working with Illusion”—Bring a mat, water, a pen and journal to this yoga workshop subtitled “Kundalini Yoga, Astrology & the Magic of Purim.” At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 3-5 p.m. $36-$54, sliding scale.

Purim Carnival: “Under the Sea”—Come in costume to JCC East Bay’s festival featuring face painting, carnival games, treats, mishloach manot and kid-run spiel. In partnership with Camp Tawonga and Maccabi Sports. At 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 2-4:30 p.m. $40 family ticket, $12.50 additional adult.

Family Purim Carnival — Families are invited to come in costume to play games, make mishloach manot (gift bags) for local neighbors and march in a costume parade down Cortland Avenue. Presented by Or Shalom Jewish Community. At Bernal Heights Playground, 500 Cortland Ave., S.F. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Purim Celebration — Come in costume for a party featuring hamantaschen making, face painting and games, plus potluck (bring a dish to share). Livermore address provided with registration. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Members free, nonmembers $15 donation. RSVP via email culturaljews@gmail.com or call (925) 399-8029.

“Purim ETZtravaganza” — Congregation Etz Chayim’s family carnival features pony rides, carnival games and Shushan bakery. At 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.

Monday | March 2

“Stand Up For Purim!”—Adults-only celebration with comedy open mic, hamantaschen bake-off, whiskey taste-test. RSVP to participate in these activities, or simply show up. At Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. 8:45 p.m. Free.

Family Purim Puppet Show—Urban Adamah invites families with children up to age 6 to a kid-friendly retelling of the Purim story by puppeteer Jen Miriam Altman. At 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 5-6:30 p.m. $8-$36, sliding scale.

Purim Celebration — Or Shalom’s community event features Mediterranean dinner, arts and crafts, games, costume contest, Megillah retelling, klezmer music and dancing. At St. Aidan’s, 101 Gold Mine Drive, S.F. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Suggested donation for dinner $5-$54.

“Pink Purim Club” — Congregation Beth Sholom’s annual Purim carnival and fundraiser with a “Pink Pony Club” theme of celebrating identity and self-expression. Fundraiser benefits Beth Sholom’s preschool scholarship fund. Admission is one item for a JFCS food drive. At 301 14th Ave., S.F. 5:30-9 p.m. $42-$126.

Magic Purim Party — Family-friendly celebration with Megillah reading, dinner, face painting, masquerade, magic show. Open bar for adults. At Chabad of the Neighborhood, 85 West Portal Ave., S.F. 5:30 p.m. Free.

Family Fun Purim Carnival and Megillah Extravaganza — Chochmat HaLev invites families to celebrate with carnival games, dinner, raffle and Megillah reading. At 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $18-$180.

“Etz Purim Spiel: Aladdin” — Congregation Etz Chayim’s sing-along spiel to Aladdin music with dinner, dance party, drinks, youth pop-up band, hamantaschen. At 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 6-9 p.m. Free.

Tuesday | March 3

“Purim in the Shtetl” — Chabad of the North Peninsula celebrates Purim with klezmer music, shtetl-themed fun, a buffet dinner and Megillah reading. At 115 Monte Diablo Ave., San Mateo. 5-7 p.m. $5-$15.

Purim in the Circus — Chabad of Novato’s Purim celebration features the “Tricks to Happiness” circus show, Megillah reading, hamantaschen and kids’ activities. At 695 De Long Ave., Novato. 5 p.m. Register by Feb. 22 for early pricing, adults $18, kids $10.

Make Your Own Hamantash — Hands-on cooking class for Purim. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 5:30-7 p.m. $25-$35.

Purim Happy Hour — Chabad of the Neighborhood celebrates with live guitar music by Asaf Ophir, Megillah reading, cocktail bar and a “schnitzel meat board.” At 85 West Portal Ave., S.F. 4-7 p.m. Free.

Tropical Purim — Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma presents Hawaiian-themed celebration with mechanical surfboard, bubble show, poke bowls, snow cones, pina colada mocktails, Megillah reading illustrated by sand artist. At Hotel Petaluma, 205 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 5 p.m. Adults $15, children $10.

Purim by the Sea — Jewish Solano’s seaside-inspired Purim features live aquarium display, mocktails, food, Megillah reading. Come in costume. At 770 East Main St., Vacaville. 4:30 p.m. Free.

Wednesday | March 4

Vashti’s Cabaret — Purim party with girl-power theme hosted by Ladino singer-songwriter Nani Vazana, who won the 2024 Liet International music competition for minority languages. Presented by Jewish Silicon Valley and JIMENA. Ages 21+. At 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 8-9:30 p.m. Register by March 1 for early pricing, $36, includes two glasses of wine.

Saturday | March 7

Purim Night Out — Sha’ar Zahav’s young adult group (20s-30s) celebration in costume with cocktails, nosh, Megillah, mingling. At Skylark Bar, 3089 16th St., S.F. 6-9 p.m. Free, RSVP required.

Sunday | March 8

Purim Party and Parade — Celebration for families with children from babies to age 5 with costume parade, decorating mishloach manot (gift bags), music, puppets. Bring a can of food to contribute to a food drive. Presented by Jewish Baby Network and Kehilla Community Synagogue. At Dracena Quarry Park, 130 Dracena Ave., Piedmont. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.

Purim Palooza with Jewish Baby Network — Families with kids from babies to age 5 are invited to celebrate at Peninsula Temple Sholom with a costume parade, hamantaschen and goodie bags. At 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame. 3:30-5 p.m. Free.

There just aren’t enough Jewish holiday movies or shows.

Actually, there seem to be almost none at all, especially ones for kids.

Sure, Passover has “The Prince of Egypt,” and Hanukkah gets its own “Rugrats” episode. But Purim? No such luck.

Frankly, I don’t understand this. An entire genre of children’s movies about princesses exists, and Purim’s main character is literally a queen. If Jews really ran Hollywood, you’d think Esther would have had her Disney moment by now.

This dilemma became alarmingly apparent when I was searching for a Purim movie or show to watch with my almost 4-year-old daughter last week. The few Esther adaptations I found were either not kid-friendly or just … bad. 

Then I remembered a strange VHS tape from my childhood: VeggieTales’ “Esther: The Girl Who Became Queen.” Miraculously, it is free to watch on YouTube.

If you’ve never encountered VeggieTales, it’s a wildly popular Christian franchise that first arrived on videotape in the mid-1990s and is still producing movies today. It stars anthropomorphic vegetables who live out Bible stories and parody pop culture. I know this sounds bonkers and, trust me, it absolutely is. (It’s actually so much weirder than I remembered.) But hear me out.

Obviously, animated Christian vegetables are not the ideal storytelling vehicle for Jewish kids. However, more than 25 years since its release, the VeggieTales Esther story remains one of the only Purim shows available. The 39-minute cartoon loosely “reimagines” Esther with nods to “The Godfather” and “Casablanca,” which is a sentence I never expected to write.

Immediately, my daughter had very important questions, like “What is she?” and “Where are their arms?” As a kid I thought Esther was a green bean, but upon researching these questions, I found out she’s a leek. Regardless, she is very green.

The plot includes sandwich-related royal drama, a villainous squash (or maybe he’s a gourd?), a pair of pea assassins and exile to the “Island of Perpetual Tickling.”

The movie begins with King Xerxes (Achashverosh) the zucchini in need of a new queen because Vashti (also a zucchini) refuses to make him a sandwich at 3 a.m. 

The next day, Esther the leek is walking with her cousin Mordechai the grape. Haman the squash/gourd comes along to collect all the eligible maidens for the king and demands that Mordechai bow in his presence. Mordechai refuses, and Haman becomes furious. He then takes all the maidens to the palace, where Esther sings a song and is chosen queen.

One day, two peas attempt to assassinate the king by dropping a piano on his head, but Mordechai and Esther save him just in time. Haman banishes the peas to the “Island of Perpetual Tickling” for their crimes. A grim reaper character with a giant feather appears, tickling the peas out the door and scaring my daughter, who clung to my arm as I tried not to laugh.

Though the king believes he is now safe, Haman convinces him he’s actually still in danger through an antisemitic song that has no business being as catchy as it is, with lyrics describing a “sneaky little family who do sneaky little things, who stick their sneaky noses into matters of the king.”

Unaware that Haman is talking about Mordechai and his family, the king authorizes an edict to have them banished to the Island of Perpetual Tickling. Mordecai appeals to Esther to reveal Haman’s evil plans to the king, but Esther is scared.

Mordecai reminds Esther that she never needs to be afraid to do what’s right. Esther is still fearful but eventually redeems herself as she finally embraces her position as queen. She eventually reveals that Mordechai is her cousin and that Haman has been plotting against him and his family, which includes her. 

The king, who respects Mordechai, adores Esther and would never harm either of them, banishes Haman to the Island of Perpetual Tickling, along with anyone else who dares scheme against his queen and her family.

Despite the entirely Jewish plot, Jews are not named at all in the show — a detail I somehow overlooked as a kid. Faith in God comes up multiple times, but the show doesn’t mention Jesus.

The show’s absurdities and omissions aside, its core message reigns: You should never be afraid to do what’s right. That’s a lesson worth teaching, even if it comes from armless, talking vegetables instead of a Disney princess.

So much happens in our community every day that it can be hard to sift through all of the events. We’re highlighting a few upcoming events, in every corner of the Jewish Bay Area, to get you started. You can find many more in J.’s online calendar. If you have a community event you’d like to share, go to J.’s “submit a calendar event” page.

SAN FRANCISCO

Thursday | February 26
“I Left a Cult and Now I Want Back In” — Comedian Raye Schiller’s standup show about their queer identity and Orthodoxy, plus a Q&A. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St. 7 p.m. $36, includes a drink. 

Friday | February 27
Purim Shabbat — Congregation Sherith Israel celebration features Elton John singalong spiel, Shabbat service and 175th anniversary party with games, treats and libations. Come in costume. At 2266 California St., S.F. 6-7:15 p.m. Free. 

NORTH BAY

Tuesday | March 3
Purim in the Circus — Chabad of Novato’s Purim celebration features the “Tricks to Happiness” circus show, Megillah reading, hamantaschen and kids’ activities. At 695 de Long Ave., Novato. 5 p.m. Adults $25, kids $18. 

Tropical Purim — Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma presents Hawaiian-themed celebration with mechanical surfboard, bubble show, poke bowls, snow cones, pina colada mocktails, Megillah reading illustrated by sand artist. At Hotel Petaluma, 205 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 5 p.m. Adults $15, children $10. 

EAST BAY

Wednesday | February 25
“Philip Roth: Stung by Life” — Historian and author Steven Zipperstein discusses his biography of the influential author with professor Scott Saul in this year’s Diller Lecture. Reception and light refreshments before conversation. Presented by Berkeley’s Center for Jewish Studies. Co-sponsored by Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. At Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 5-6:30 p.m. Free. 

Friday | February 27
“Purim Spiel: Pulse, Pulse, Glitch!” — Chochmat HaLev and performance troupe Well of Wills present a “divine dystopian comedy” reimagining of the Book of Esther. At 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 8:30-10 p.m. Also Feb. 28 and March 1, 7:30-9 p.m. $39-$95. 

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

Sunday | March 1
“Purim ETZtravaganza” — Congregation Etz Chayim’s family carnival features pony rides, carnival games and Shushan bakery. At 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. 

Monday | March 2
“Etz Purim Spiel: Aladdin” — Congregation Etz Chayim’s sing-along spiel to Aladdin music with dinner, dance party, drinks, youth pop-up band, hamantaschen. At 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 6-9 p.m. Free.

Purim is a party, and what better way to celebrate than with festive pastries? Whether you call them hamantaschen, oznei Haman, or orejas de Haman, we can all agree that these triangle-shaped pastries are delicious. Jewish bakeries across the Bay Area offer flavors both traditional (raspberry and poppyseed) and modern (cheesecake and blackberry thyme). If your version of Purim includes maamoul or palmiers, we’ve got you covered there, too.

Did we miss any? Let us know at events@jweekly.com.

Amy’s Jewish Kitchen — Poppy seed, strawberry, apricot, Nutella, prune and raspberry flavors available Feb. 23–March 9. $18 for six. Pickup in Lafayette, delivery for an extra fee to Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Alamo and Danville. Free delivery on orders $50+. Order online or by calling/texting (925) 984-5650.

Arsicault Bakery — This San Francisco bakery offers palmier cookies, a Purim staple for French Jews. $5.50 each. Visit in person to purchase at two locations: 1070 Bridgeview Way and 87 McAllister St.

Cinderella Russian Bakery — Prune, apricot, raspberry, poppyseed, cherry and apple cinnamon hamantaschen flavors available for pickup or delivery. $3 each. 436 Balboa St., S.F.

Copenhagen Bakery and Cafe — Cherry, prune and apricot hamantaschen flavors available for pickup. $5 each. 1216 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame.

David’s Bagels — Apple, raspberry, cherry and apricot hamantaschen flavors available for pickup or delivery. $5 each. 1926 Palmetto Ave., Pacifica.

Grossman’s Noshery and Bar — Blackberry thyme and apricot-poppy hamantaschen flavors available for pickup or delivery. $4 each. 308½ Wilson St., Santa Rosa.

House of Bagels — Prune, cherry, poppy and apricot flavors available for pickup or delivery. $4 each. 1712 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View. tinyurl.com/house-ofbagels

Krembo Baked Goods — Kosher hamantaschen include vanilla with poppy seed, vanilla with chocolate chip, chocolate chip with raspberry, green tea with apricot, and two gluten-free vanilla varieties (raspberry or apricot). $3.50 each. Preorder by Feb. 24 for March 2-3 pickup at Chabad of North Peninsula/Chabad Lent Center in San Mateo.

LeVant Dessert — This Middle Eastern bakery offers maamoul, which means “filled” in Arabic, a Purim treat for Jews of Syrian, Lebanese and Egyptian descent. Date, walnut and pistachio fillings are on offer. Preorder 12 maamoul ($36) or 24 mini maamoul ($30) for pickup. 842 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park.

Loquat Bakery — Poppyseed, apricot pistachio and Nutella flavors available in-store through March 15. $4 each or $40 for 12 (four of each flavor). 198 Gough St., S.F.

Noe Valley Bakery — Apricot and raspberry flavors available for pickup or delivery Feb. 27-March 3 at both S.F. locations. $3.07 each in store; online $12 for box of four, $36 for box of 12. 4073 24th St. and 28 West Portal Ave.

Mariposa Baking Company — Apricot and prune flavors available for pickup. Dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free. Place orders by 2 p.m. for the following day. $7.75 for a two-pack. 5427 Telegraph Ave. D3, Oakland. 

Market Hall — Apricot, raspberry and prune flavors available Feb. 24–March. 3 for pickup. $2 each, or $10.95 for six. 5655 College Ave., Oakland.

Moscow and Tbilisi Bakery — Apricot, poppyseed and bakery cheese raisin “triangles” for pickup or delivery. $4-$5 each. 5540 Geary Blvd., S.F.

Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen — Poppy, apricot, raspberry, double chocolate and cheesecake flavors available for pickup. $3 each. 1475 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley.

Food coverage is supported by a generous donation from Susan and Moses Libitzky.

My father has a passion for all things poppy seed, always seeking out the biggest and best poppy seed rolls wherever we go. 

His devotion runs so deep that I’ve traveled continents, across oceans, by planes, trains and automobiles to bring him loaves from far off places, from Slovenia to Prague to Tel Aviv. I have packed poppy seed rolls among my clothes and cosmetics, sheepishly explaining to customs agents why these tasty treasures were crossing international borders.

Every Purim, I would look forward to making yeasted poppy seed hamantaschen with my grandmother. The recipe was passed down from her mother to mine. The dough was always just a vehicle for eating more sticky, crunchy poppy seed filling. We devoured them with afternoon tea or lemonade on a cool spring day. Our filling almost always began with a can of Solo brand poppy seed filling doctored with added vanilla, chopped almonds and orange zest. To this day, I make sure to keep a can in the cupboard for when a poppy seed craving strikes.

With Purim around the corner, I wanted to merge two of my favorite Jewish deli sweets tied together by one of my favorite ingredients: poppy seeds. Coffee cake has roots in Ashkenazi cuisine and culture. It is thought to have origins in Northern Europe and Germany, where yeasted cakes were commonly made with sour cream. When Jewish immigrants brought their recipes to the United States, they adapted them into time-saving, quick-rising coffee cakes they could enjoy any time of day.

While this cake is traditionally made with sour cream, I wanted it to feel a little more contemporary by using cottage cheese instead. Both produce a tender crumb and rich flavor, adding moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweet poppy seed filling. Almond flour adds richness and moisture, while paying homage to the poppy seed hamantaschen flavors of my childhood.

Don’t worry, I’ll never replace the hamantaschen on my table, but I will be adding this tender poppy-studded coffee cake to the rotation, whether for Purim, a Saturday brunch or an after-dinner nosh. 

Almond Poppy Seed Coffee Cake

Serves 8 to 10
Total time: 1 hour

Crumble Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ Tbs. poppy seeds
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• ½  tsp. cinnamon
• 4 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature

Cake

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup almond flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• 1¼ cups cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese
• ½ cup avocado oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. orange zest
• 12.5-oz. can poppy seed filling (I use Solo brand)

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and line an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

For the crumble: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, poppy seeds, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the butter, and, using a fork or your fingers, mix until no dry flour remains and the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.

For the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, avocado oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and orange zest.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, and fold with a spatula just until combined.

Spread half the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Dollop the poppy seed filling over the batter and spread into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Top with the remaining batter, and cover with the crumble.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Some poppyseed filling may stick to it, so just look for traces of raw batter.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

So much happens in our community every day that it can be hard to sift through all of the events. We’re highlighting a few upcoming events, in every corner of the Jewish Bay Area, to get you started. You can find many more in J.’s online calendar. If you have a community event you’d like to share, go to J.’s “submit a calendar event” page.

SAN FRANCISCO

Tuesday | February 24
“Beyond the Binary” — Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Rabbi Jessica Graf of Congregation Sherith Israel in conversation subtitled “How American Jews Should Engage with Israel Today.” Co-sponsored by New Israel Fund and T’ruah. At Sherith Israel, 2266 California St. 7-8:30 p.m. Free, registration required. 

Thursday | February 26
“I Left a Cult and Now I Want Back In” — Comedian Raye Schiller’s standup show about their queer identity and Orthodoxy, plus a Q&A. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St. 7 p.m. $36, includes a drink. 

NORTH BAY

Sunday | February 22
“Purim Palooza” — Osher Marin JCC’s annual Purim celebration features a bounce house, carnival games, hamantaschen, storytelling and more. Come in costume. Hosted by OMJCC in partnership with Brandeis Marin and Congregation Rodef Sholom. At 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free, registration required. 

Saturday | February 28
A Night at the Cabaret — Fundraiser featuring live music by Max Bonick Trio, Radio Bobcat, Shane Soldinger and Gordon Lustig, plus wine and food. At Congregation Beth Shalom, 1455 Elm St., Napa. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $125 CBS members, $136 nonmembers. Child care available. 

EAST BAY

Wednesday | February 25
“Philip Roth: Stung by Life” — Historian and author Steven J. Zipperstein discusses his biography of the influential author with professor Scott Saul in this year’s Diller Lecture. Reception and light refreshments before conversation. Presented by Berkeley’s Center for Jewish Studies. Co-sponsored by the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. At Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 5-6:30 p.m. Free. 

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

Thursday | February 19
“For Such a Time as This” — Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, senior rabbi of Manhattan’s Park Avenue Synagogue, in conversation with Barry Finestone, CEO of Jim Joseph Foundation. Presented by Z3 Project. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30-9 p.m. $25. 

Thursday | February 26
“Unapologetic: A Conversation with Lucy Aharish” — Israel’s first Arab news anchor discusses identity and resilience, with Zack Bodner, CEO of Oshman Family JCC. Presented by Z3 Project and Israeli Cultural Connection. At OFJCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30-9 p.m. $40.

(JTA) — For a year and a half, a photograph of the Bibas family wearing Batman pajamas served as a symbol of the global vigil for their return from captivity in Gaza.

Batman was a passion for Ariel, who was 4 when he and his family were abducted from their home in southern Israeli on Oct. 7, 2023. He had dressed as the superhero for Purim that year, and his parents, Shiri and Yarden, were happy to buy matching gear for the entire family, including his new baby brother Kfir.

Now, on the first Purim since Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were confirmed dead and returned to Israel for burial — and with Yarden back in Israel after a hostage release last month — Jews around the world are dressing as Batman in their honor.

In Israel, entire classes of schoolchildren have worn orange Batman capes and masks, in a nod to both Ariel Bibas’ passion for the superhero and the brothers’ red hair, while a costume shop in Jerusalem offered up Bibas-honoring Batman garb for just 10 shekels (about $2.75).

“This is a pure loss from my own pocket, but I want to do it,” the store’s owner told the Jerusalem Post. “I see in all the comments that there’s a huge desire to dress up as Batman for Purim in honor of the Bibas family. So I got masks — one shekel each — just so TikTok on Purim will be filled with this mask.”

In the United States, parents have imbued their children’s dress-up closets with emotional significance. “My little Batman has no idea of the significance of his Purim costume choice this year,” one mother wrote on an Instagram story this week. Another family posted a video about putting together Batman-themed mishloach manot, the sweets-filled gift bags that are traditionally distributed on the holiday.

A Purim call to action began circulating in late February, after Hamas released Shiri, Ariel and Kfir’s bodies as part of a ceasefire deal. In the days leading up to the holiday, which commemorates the ancient Persian Jews’ triumph over a plot to kill them and is celebrated with costume parties and other rituals, the Bibas family said it had gotten many questions about whether it was appropriate to take part in the call.

Yes, said the family, which has sought to manage the collective memory of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir as well as Yarden’s exposure to new trauma. And on Wednesday, as Israel began its festivities, the family posted about the widespread Batman costumes.

“The heart missed a beat twice today. Once when we woke up to a morning without new photos of Ariel and Kfir dressed up for Purim, and the second time when we saw all the incredible gestures on the streets of Israel,” the family said on its social media account alongside a photograph of Yarden holding a plea for the return of his best friend David Cunio and his brother Ariel Cunio, who remain in captivity.

“Time after time during the last almost year and a half and especially during the last few weeks, you have shown us that Ariel and Kfir will never leave us,” the family said.

The family became an intense symbol of the Israeli hostages in Gaza for the more than a year during which Ariel and Kfir were the only children who remained in captivity, and their fate remained unknown.

“All kids are Batman for Purim. Mine don’t want to be. What do I do?” one parent wrote to the pro-Israel influencer Jonny Daniels, in a question he posted on his Instagram account. His response: “Let them do exactly what they want. This is a festival for them, not our guilt. … We all mourn and connect in different ways. We don’t need to force our children to do that.”

For the past nine years, some 450 synagogues across the world, including many in the Bay Area, have relied on “The Spiel Guy” for behind-the-scenes help to put on witty and relevant Purimspiels. 

“The Spiel Guy” is former Bay Area resident Jamie Marx, who runs an online store for Purimspiel scripts, sheet music, posters and more. 

Marx, 44, is a cantor at Temple Sholom, a Reform synagogue in the Philadelphia suburb of Broomall. Originally from San Diego, he and his family moved to Concord when he was 12, where he attended Oak Grove Middle School and Ygnacio Valley High School. He stayed in California until he left for cantorial school after college. 

He co-wrote his first parody with his best friend when he was 8 years old. It was a twist on Michael Jackson’s hit song “Man in the Mirror.” Marx grew up to become a songwriter and composer in addition to his main gig as a cantor.

He got into spiel-writing leading up to Purim 2014 when he updated an existing Disney-themed Purim script by Norman Roth, a prolific New York-based spiel writer and distributor, to include songs and dialogue from the popular animated film “Frozen.”

“I had a 2-year-old who was obsessed,” he told J. 

The script was a big hit. Then in 2016, when the nation had become obsessed with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit “Hamilton,” Marx’s wife, Anna, encouraged him to try to parody the rap-musical in a Purimspiel. Marx wrote it and even made it available for sale. 

“It sold really well that first year,” he said. “I was super surprised, and I thought, ‘Oh, maybe I should write another one.’” 

Today, it’s a real business. With help from Anna, who works in nonprofit management, Marx set up online in 2020, becoming a go-to guy for Purim parodies.

Marx recently spoke with J. about the inspiration and process behind more than two dozen spiels he’s written over the years, as well as about his Bay Area roots. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

J.: You were born in San Diego, but your family relocated to the Bay Area when you were 12. Tell me about your time growing up in the Bay Area.

JAMIE MARX: I lived in Concord and my family belonged to B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek. I was in Midrasha, which was actually a really huge part of my teen years and my Judaism. 

My wife and I met in high school, originally at a Kesher retreat. We met again in college [at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo]. And we had that little connection. We had a lot of friends in common. It was meant to be. And after college, my wife and I joined B’nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek.

When you’re writing a spiel, how do you draw the connection back to the story of Purim? 

As a cantor, I’m a big believer that we should be faithfully telling the Purim story. I don’t want anyone to come away and hear a different story than the one that we’re intending. I’m not really telling the story of “The Wizard of Oz” or “Wicked.” I’m telling the story of Esther, and the tools I use to bring that out and the way that we highlight what’s within the tale is the real pleasure of writing a Purimspiel.

The Bible includes all the details you need and nothing you don’t. What that means is that sometimes you’re looking for an explanation for why a thing happened, and there’s room there to create a midrash, an interpretation of that story that fills out the characters. 

So the question is: Esther shows up at the king’s palace early on in the story to potentially be the new queen. But how did she feel about that? Like, was she excited? Maybe she was excited to have a life of wealth and to live in the palace? Or was she nervous? Was she scared? Was she indifferent or annoyed? 

All those emotional options are available when I write a spiel.

Last year for Purim, during the height of fandom over Taylor Swift’s Eras concert tour, you wrote “Esther’s Story (Taylor’s Version),” a spiel parodying Swift’s most popular songs. What was that process like?

It’s interesting, I didn’t know a lot of Taylor Swift music, but a lot of my students and former students are huge Swifties. I literally texted two of my college-age kids and said, “Hey, I need the Top 20 most well-known Taylor Swift songs. Send it to me.” I made a playlist of all their suggestions and just played it through until I got 10 songs that I could work with and make great parodies from. Frankly, it really heightened my appreciation for her craft as a songwriter. 

Your newest spiels for this year are parodies of “The Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked.” You’re really tapping into pop culture and what’s interesting to people in the moment. How many do you typically write each year?

I started off by doing one a year for my first two years, but now I tend to do somewhere between two and four. 

The themes come to me in a couple of ways. Sometimes it’s obvious. The universe had been talking about “Wicked” for a year before the movie came out. I knew that was going to be a big thing. And sometimes it’s just what I’m interested in. 

So this year, I wrote a classic Broadway Purimspiel called “West Side Shpilkes” just because I love Broadway. It was just super fun to write. And sometimes, people hire me for commissions. 

Your next big project is launching the Philadelphia Jewish Musical Festival in May 2026. What’s the story behind that?

It’s a really exciting thing, highlighting both Jewish musicians and Jewish music. Especially post Oct. 7, the Jews need to be loud and proud a little bit more, and we need to gather with not only our fellow Jews, but with the broader communities around us. And there’s absolutely no better way to do that than through music.

Everyone can find a way in and can find something, even if they’re not Jewish. That is a way to build bridges between people that you just can’t do any other way.

Izik Lachmani leads two lives. By day, he works in construction. But come nightfall, you can often find the Tel Aviv native under pulsing lights in front of a San Francisco crowd as he pursues his passion as a house music DJ.

“I like to bring people together, good vibe, a good energy,” he told J.

Lachmani, 35, is part of the Bay Area’s Israeli expat community. Three years ago, he started a company called Cloud9 to throw parties and events, including an annual Purim rave. Last year, party-goers dressed up as everything from sparkly fairies to cuddly pandas and crowded in body to body, jumping and dancing to heavy house beats.

This year, the costume and dance party is set to begin at 9 p.m. Saturday and keep going until at least 4 a.m. Sunday at the Great Northern, 119 Utah St., San Francisco. Cloud9 and Safra are presenting the event, in partnership with Malka Productions.

The Purim rave is part of how Lachmani and other young adults combine their identities as proud Israeli and American Jews who happen to love to party. It’s also a way for them to attract and connect with others who just want to have a good time.

Lachmani spoke recently with J. culture editor Maya Mirsky. The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

J.: How long have you been in the Bay Area and how long have you been involved in the house scene?

Izik Lachmani: I grew up in Tel Aviv. I moved here to the States almost 10 years ago. I was living five years in New York, and then I moved to the Bay Area. I started DJing, actually, back in Israel over 10 years ago.

For me, music — it’s my drug. I don’t need to get drunk or to get high to have fun when I go out. And when I DJ, I get some kind of natural high. I do events just for my passion for music, not necessarily for any profit.

What are Cloud9 events like?

I feel like my productions are more like a community versus people just going to hear DJs. They are coming to meet people … and, obviously, for good music too.

What I like in my events is a big diversity of people — Persian, Middle Eastern, people from all over. I love to see how they all get connected with each other. I saw people that started thinking differently about Israel, about us as a country. When they start to come to our events, they start to get closer to us.

I think, especially after the last year and a half that we went through, I feel like it’s a good way for us to bring people closer to us and show them that the things that they see in the media [about Israelis] are totally different than who we are.

What’s your take on life in the Bay Area as an Israeli?

I feel like it’s very divided between Israelis and Jewish Americans, versus in New York. I used to live there, and I used to have Jewish American friends. I feel like, over here, the communities are kind of different, maybe because there’s not a lot of Israeli restaurants over here and things that connect us on the day-to-day level.

But I think it’s getting better. I remember on Oct. 8, I opened a WhatsApp group and I just started to invite people to go to the counterprotest. [On Oct. 9, Palestinian supporters protested in front of the Israeli consulate in San Francisco. Israel advocates counterprotested. Both sides were incensed and loud.]

I had maybe 70, 80 people [in the WhatsApp group]. And in three or four hours, it was like, 800 people, 900 people, and all of them in the Bay. And I was like, wow, there’s like, so many people here. More than I thought, even.

Tell me about your Purim plans.

One of my traditions that I do every year is a Purim party. It doesn’t mean that this party is just for Jews or Israelis — of course, there are a lot of Israelis and Jewish people there.

Purim is the best time to celebrate and have fun. It’s going to be really similar to [Purim in] Israel and Tel Aviv, but with a lot of people from all over.

It’s funny because people ask me sometimes like, “Oh, do you guys have parties in Israel?”

Obviously, our nightlife in Israel is much better than San Francisco! But in their head, you know, when they think about Israel, they think: so many religious people, terror attacks…. They don’t really know that it’s probably more fun than here.

(JTA) — Queen Esther is back in the news — and it’s not good news, and it’s got very little to do with the Jewish holiday of Purim, in whose story she is the starring character.

Loved and loathed in equal measure by many, Purim celebrates Jewish survival with a festive retelling of the biblical Scroll of Esther, often accompanied by masks, costumes and revelry. Like other mid-winter holidays such as Mardi Gras, it’s about the reversal of norms, a temporary upside-down reality that lets us let loose and imagine alternative realities. One of us is a drag queen turned rabbi, and the other is an LGBTQ+ activist — we have had our fair share of Purim fun over the years. But this year we are paying attention to the many violent layers of this holiday as well as the infuriating appropriation of its heroine.

For generations, Purim provided powerless Diaspora Jews with fantasies of power and sovereignty. Esther, according to the biblical story, is a young Jewish woman who becomes the queen of Persia, risks her life and saves her people, popular even as a Purim costume. Both of us have worn her crown and dress in Purims past, and celebrated our kids and their friends, including little boys or gender-nonconforming kids, walking in her royal shoes in more recent years.

Yet this year, with the current cycle of violence between Israel and Hamas now in its second devastating year, even with a fragile ceasefire; with the rise of antisemitism worldwide; and with the growing attacks on human and civil rights and lives in the United States, it is hard and complicated to celebrate Purim with unfettered joy. It is made that much worse by the extremist right wing in the United States claiming our Esther as code for their mean-spirited agenda.

In recent months Esther’s name has seemed to pop up everywhere in conservative circles.

“An Esther Call to the Mall” brought hundreds of evangelical women to Washington, D.C. in October to support the Trump campaign and promote the fight against reproductive rights. “She’s an orphan, she’s hiding her identity, she’s a woman,” a pastor from Texas told the New York Times about why Esther resonated for her: “Not one woman is disqualified from the calling of God.”

In Texas, a public school curriculum with focus on biblical stories highlights Esther as a religious rights heroine despite outrage by local faith leaders.

And the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, released “Project Esther: A National Strategy for Combatting Antisemitism.” Even the Purim spirit of turning things upside down to release tensions and reimagine reality pales in comparison to the cynical and cruel policies proposed by the plan, which these proud former Queen Esthers read with horror.

This policy brief by the same extremist entity that wrote Project 2025 is a grotesque abuse, instrumentalizing the fight against genuine antisemitism among people of goodwill, to bring down not only the pro-Palestinian movement but all dissent and liberal civil society in the United States. It is an affront to Jews, and it is dangerous for America.

The Heritage Foundation’s National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism is led by Christian Zionists, not by Jews with real and lived experience of antisemitism. And its plan is entirely focused on “anti-Israel and anti-Zionist Jew-haters,” while not once mentioning the actual, growing scourge of antisemitism among the far-right extremists who are openly and proudly antisemitic and who pose a growing danger in the United States.

While this is not the first instance of conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism (seen even in the Jewish community), this brazen level of deviousness is new. They are pretending to care about Jews (without consulting them) in order to advance policy measures that would stifle dissent and legally incapacitate civil society in broad strokes in the United States. This is Authoritarianism 101.

Those of us who work in the global LGBTQI+ rights movement, in the pro-peace arenas or in the reproductive rights movement work with colleagues in many repressive and authoritarian countries. We know the playbook: Limit free press, restrict civil society, imprison dissenters (or worse), control the judiciary. For those of us in non-governmental organizations, we are well aware of the many and various “anti-NGO” laws that exist around the world, which often impact LGBTQI+ groups first. In this case, if the Heritage Foundation’s plans are enacted, it will be pro-Palestinian groups that feel the heat first and have their basic rights to organize and assemble decimated. But all of U.S. civil society is directly threatened by Project Esther — which is unapologetically the goal of the plan’s authors.

We have already seen this in the “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act” that passed the House of Representatives in the last Congress. That bill used fears about support for Hamas as a ruse for giving the Treasury Department the power to take away nonprofit status from legitimate civil society organizations in the United States because of their alleged support for Hamas or other terrorist organizations, but without ever disclosing the sources of the information used against them or providing an opportunity for the organization to challenge those accusations in court. If enacted, it would create a huge opportunity — perhaps even an incentive — for the Trump administration to reject the nonprofit tax status of groups on ideological grounds without disclosing any evidence of terrorist connections. Pro-Palestinian groups, again, are the first targets, but certainly not the last.

Among the many executive orders by our new president in the first few weeks of this administration is one titled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism.” In yet another example of purporting to fight antisemitism, the order announces the federal government’s intentions to instruct universities to monitor their students and employees — toward the goal of deporting international students and staff who speak out for Palestine or in other ways the administration doesn’t approve of. It does not protect Jews or free speech. And it does not promote pro-peace solutions that will benefit Israelis and Palestinians alike, nor promote peace-building initiatives here in the United States.  Many Jewish organizations immediately spoke out against it. This was just one manifestation of what Project Esther has in mind for our country.

Project Esther also coined a new, farcical concept: of the “Hamas Support Network” in the United States. It deceitfully lists many left-wing donors, foundations and organizations that do not in any way support Hamas. Let’s be clear: No one is directly supporting Hamas from the United States, where it is illegal to finance groups such as Hamas that are designated terrorist organizations and where the U.S. banking system is monitored very closely by the Treasury Department to guard against any such illegal transfers. And few Americans even have a favorable view of Hamas, according to opinion polls. But the Heritage Foundation and its extremist allies want to discredit, scare and reduce the impact of progressive political thinking in the United States. They cynically usurped the horrors of Oct. 7 to further their agenda of building a white Christian nation in place of the multiracial, pluralistic society that we are. Slapping the label of “antisemitic” on the entire left is just another tactic for their movement — and one that appears to resonate in this challenging political moment.

Regardless of where we sit on questions about Israel and Palestine, and acknowledging there is some actual antisemitism on the left, this antidemocratic, authoritarian playbook is no answer to antisemitism. It should concern all Jews and all Americans. A true democracy needs a strong civil society to hold its leaders accountable and to keep the public engaged. We cannot afford to silence and eliminate legitimate civic engagement in our country, especially at this perilous moment. Heritage Foundation’s “Project Esther: A National Strategy for Combatting Antisemitism” is dangerous and needs to be understood and decried by all democracy-defending members of our society.

Perverting Queen Esther’s legacy in order to promote hatred over love and pretend to be protectors of justice is infuriating to these queer parents and insulting to all Jews.

As Purim approaches, we call upon our fellow Jews to beware of the masks, resist the lies and uphold our moral and courageous legacy of resilience and resistance. Queen Esther has been celebrated as a heroine over the ages for her defiance of tyranny, pursuit of justice and courage to speak truth to power. It is our spiritual duty and political responsibility to reclaim her.

In the true spirit of Queen Esther — it’s time to speak up.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of J. or JTA.

The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek in memory of Kenneth Gordon.

Tetzaveh
Exodus 27:20-30:10

The Jewish calendar is an intricate weave of history and destiny. Every holiday is a fixed point in time, tethered to the event it commemorates. Pesach marks the night of the Exodus. Shavuot recalls the revelation at Sinai. Yom Kippur, the day of Divine forgiveness after the sin of the Golden Calf. The logic is consistent: We remember what happened when it happened.

Except for Purim.

The story of Esther unfolds with remarkable precision. Haman’s decree to annihilate the Jewish people was set for the 13th of Adar. Yet the day of celebration is not the 13th, nor the moment of deliverance itself. Instead, Purim is marked on the 14th of Adar. A day later. As if America were to celebrate July 5th as Independence Day. The question is obvious: why?

The answer reveals something profound — not just about Jewish history, but about the human condition itself.

There are two ways a nation comes together. One is through crisis. The other, through purpose. The first is defensive. The second, aspirational. The first happens when people are bound together by fear and external threat. The second occurs when they are drawn together by a shared vision and collective dream.

Jews have experienced both. The first is as old as Egypt, where we became a people not by choice but by necessity, united under the lash of oppression. But the second? That is Sinai, where we became a nation not of victims but of architects — builders of a civilization based on law, morality and Divine purpose.

And that is why we do not celebrate Purim on the 13th of Adar. That was the day of crisis, when the Jews of Persia stood together because they had no other choice. But the day after — the 14th — was the moment when unity was no longer an act of survival but of identity. It was a choice to celebrate, affirm life and transform existence from mere endurance into meaning.

Survival is not a strategy. It is a condition. The true test of any civilization is not whether it can withstand its enemies, but whether it can justify its own existence beyond them. A nation that exists only to resist destruction has already conceded its future to those who seek its demise.

This is the enduring lesson of Purim.

We live in an era of resurgent antisemitism. It has returned in forms both old and new — dressed in the language of politics, human rights and social justice, but carrying the same fundamental objective: the marginalization, demonization and, ultimately, the eradication of Jewish existence. From the targeting of Jewish students on university campuses to the international obsession with delegitimizing Israel, the oldest hatred has found fresh platforms.

And yet, while vigilance is necessary, it is not sufficient. A Judaism that exists only in response to antisemitism is not a Judaism that will survive.

This is the great strategic miscalculation of those who believe Jewish continuity depends solely on fighting hatred. The reality is that identity built on grievance is unsustainable. The Jewish people did not survive Pharaoh, Haman, Hitler or Stalin simply by fighting back. We survived because we had something to fight for.

That is why we celebrate the day after.

Purim’s message is clear: Do not let crisis define you. Let your vision define you! 

It is not the hatred of others that makes us who we are, but the ideals we cherish, the civilization we build, the moral and spiritual revolution we carry forward.

The story of Jewish history is not one of eternal victimhood. It is one of relentless renewal. The tragedy of Jewish existence is not how much we have suffered, but how often we allow that suffering to become the focal point of our identity. Purim is the corrective. It demands that we not simply endure history, but shape it.

That is why Purim is the most radical of Jewish holidays. It is a rejection of fatalism. A repudiation of fear. A refusal to let history be written by our enemies. It is the insistence that Jewish life is not about them — it is about us. About the civilization we build. About the future we choose.

Yes, we fight. We must. But we do not build a civilization on the battlefield. We build it through law and ethics, through mitzvot and study, through art and culture, through the vibrancy of a people that refuses to let its destiny be determined by others.

So this Purim, by all means, remember Haman. But do not dwell on him. The real victory is not that he was defeated, but that we are still here — not just to survive, but to live.

Jewish history is not written on the 13th of Adar. It is written on the 14th.

Chag Purim Sameach.

Are they hamantaschen, oznei Haman, or orejas de Haman? Are they supposed to represent Haman’s hat, ears or pockets? Who cares! These little triangles of deliciousness are a highlight of Purim, and local bakeries, restaurants and grocers are rolling out special offerings for the holiday, which starts at nightfall on March 13. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors like poppyseed and prune or prefer modern twists like chocolate and blackberry, there’s something for everyone — even if your Purim celebrations include maamoul or palmiers instead.

Did we miss any? Let us know at info@jweekly.com.

Amy’s Jewish Kitchen — This small home kitchen is run by Amy Fischer Smith, who is offering hamantaschen in apricot, strawberry, prune, poppy seed and Nutella flavors. $18 for a box of six. Order online for pick up at Amy’s private residence in Lafayette, exact address provided with order.

Arsicault Bakery — In France, Jews enjoy palmiers for Purim. These cookies are made from laminated dough coated in sugar, then rolled up together to resemble Haman’s ears. Arsicault Bakery has palmiers available in store at the McAllister location. $5 each. 87 McAllister St. San Francisco.

As Kneaded Bakery — For the first time As Kneaded Bakery is offering hamantaschen at its storefront March 12-16 and at its weekend farmers markets. The three filling choices are: raspberry jam, apricot jam or poppyseed filling. 4 for $13, or 12 (4 of each flavor) for $36. 585 Victoria Court, San Leandro.

Cinderella Russian Bakery — Prune, apricot, raspberry, poppyseed, cherry and apple cinnamon hamantaschen flavors are available for pickup or delivery. $3 each. 436 Balboa St., San Francisco.

Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe — Apricot, cherry and prune hamantaschen flavors are available for pickup or delivery. $4.50 each. 1216 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame.

Grand Bakery — Kosher cherry, apricot, prune and poppy hamantaschen are available at the following stores: Andronico’s Community Markets, 1550 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 1850 Solano Ave., Berkeley, 1200 Irving St., S.F., and 375 32nd Ave., S.F.; Berkeley Bowl, 2020 Oregon St., Berkeley, and 920 Heinz Ave., Berkeley; Hummus Bodega, 5549 Geary Blvd., S.F.; Mulberry’s Market, 335 Highland Ave., Piedmont; Piedmont Grocery Co., 4038 Piedmont Ave., Oakland; Rocky’s Market, 1440 Leimert Blvd., Oakland; Star Grocery, 3068 Claremont Ave., Berkeley; Village Market, 5885 Broadway Terrace, Oakland; and most of the nine Bay Area locations of Mollie Stone’s Market. A box of six assorted flavors also can be purchased directly from Grand Bakery for $9.99 by emailing orders@grandbakeryoakland.com.

David’s Bagels — Hamantaschen in Granny Smith apple, sweet raspberry, cherry and apricot flavors are available. Order in person or online for pick up or delivery. $5 each. 1926 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica

Grossman’s Noshery and Bar — Blackberry thyme and apricot poppyseed hamantaschen flavors are available for pick up or take out. $2.50 each. 308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa.

LeVant Dessert — Maamoul means “filled” in Arabic, and these cookies are popular Purim treats for Jews of Syrian, Lebanese and Egyptian descent. LeVant Dessert has regular and bite-size maamoul cookies with date, pistachio or walnut fillings available for preorder. $3 per regular cookie or $36 for one dozen; $30 for 24 bite-size cookies. 842 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park.

Loquat — Hamantaschen in apricot, poppyseed-walnut and chocolate-hazelnut flavors are available for pickup. Individual cookies are available in-store, and assorted boxes of a dozen are available for preorder online. $4 each, $40 per box. 198 Gough St., San Francisco.

Market Hall Foods — Apricot, raspberry and Nutella hamantaschen from the Market Hall bakery are available in store. $1.75 each. 5655 College Ave., Suite 315A, Oakland.

Moscow and Tbilisi Bakery — Apricot and poppyseed “triangle pastries” are available for pickup or delivery. $3.81 each. 5540 Geary Blvd., San Francisco.

Pomella — Pecan, apricot and chocolate flavors are available for preorder, with pickup March 13-16. Limited quantities also available in the store. 3770 Piedmont Ave., Unit B, Oakland.

Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen — This Berkeley deli has hamantaschen in apricot, poppy, strawberry and double-chocolate flavors for pickup. $2.95 each. 1475 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley.

Sweet Diplomacy — Boxes of six kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free hamantaschen in assorted flavors of chocolate, poppy seed and orange flavors. Order at least one business day in advance. $24. 209 First St., Los Altos.

Dress up in a crazy costume and grab a grogger: It’s time to celebrate Purim! Congregations and organizations across the region are hosting festivities, from family-friendly gatherings to adults-only events. Enjoy Purim carnivals, costume parades, dance parties, hamantaschen workshops and more. Did we miss any? Let us know at events@jweekly.com.

Ongoing

JFCS Purim Food Drive — Jewish Family and Children’s Services food bank is collecting donations of nonperishable items including soup, peanut butter, jam, macaroni and cheese, rice, cereal, oatmeal, granola bars, toothpaste, lotion, soap, paper towels and toilet paper. Drop off items at food bank locations: 2150 Post St., S.F.; 2001 Winward Way, No. 200, San Mateo; 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto; 600 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

APJCC Scavenger Hunt — Purim-themed mini scavenger hunt. Pick up your list of items to find at the Traditions Cart in the main lobby. Through March 14. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. Free.

Friday | March 7

Fun Friday Story Time — Preschool teacher Jessica and PJ Library present holiday story time, featuring “The Purim Superhero” by Elisabeth Kushner. Followed by a physical education activity. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 4:15-5:15 p.m. Free, RSVP required.

“Jr. Jews Purim Party” — Holiday celebration with stories, parade, pizza, crafts, dance party and hamantaschen. Costumes encouraged. Bring a box of mac-and-cheese to use as a grogger and then donate. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 5-5:45 p.m. Free.

Saturday | March 8

“A Special Purim Morning” — Purim Shabbat for families with kids 5 and under, with Purim-themed crafts, singing, dancing, snacks and more. Costumes welcome. Presented by Kitchen Playground and Jewish Baby Network. At SF Friends School, 250 Valencia St., S.F. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Free.

Sunday | March 9

“Family Cooking: Hamantaschen for Purim” — Hands-on baking workshop for kids and parents to learn to bake hamantaschen from scratch. Led by Michelle Greenebaum from Together In The Kitchen. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 4-5 p.m. $44.52.

Contra Costa Family Hamantaschen Bake — Workshop to roll, shape and fill hamantaschen cookies for Purim. At Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek. 4-5 p.m. $10 per baker.

SF Family Hamantash Bake — Workshop to roll, shape and fill hamantaschen. Presented by Chabad of the Neighborhood. At Jewish Engagement Center, 85 West Portal Ave., S.F. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $18, registration required.

Purim Extravaganza — Jewish Baby Network event with singing, dancing, puppets, hamantaschen, holiday-themed snacks, costumes and a Purim goodie bag to take home. At Peninsula Sinai Congregation, 499 Boothbay Ave., Foster City. 3:30-5 p.m. $18 suggested donation.

“Purim ETZtravaganza” — Family-friendly Purim carnival with activities, pony rides and more. Kindergarteners and younger must be accompanied by adult. At Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 9:30 a.m. Free. Email aliza@etzchayim.org

Purim Carnival and Celebration — Family Megillah reading, holiday songs, costume parade, carnival games, crafts and more. At Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.

Contra Costa Purim Carnival — Holiday celebration with games, pony rides, face painting, a raffle, food, costume contest and more. Presented by Contra Costa JCC, Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Congregation B’nai Shalom, Congregation Beth Chaim, PJ Library, Contra Costa Jewish Day School, Midrasha and Shevet Egoz. At B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $20 per child before March 7, $25 after; under 2, free.

East Bay Purim Carnival — Holiday celebration with carnival games, crafts, face painting, hamantaschen, mishloach manot, Purimspiel, costumes and talent show. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 2-5 p.m. $36 per family.

Purim Party in the Park — PJ Library, Tkiya and Jewish Gateways present sensory-friendly, outdoor Purim celebration for families with young children featuring music, snacks, books, crafts and more. Costumes encouraged. At Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, 6531 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. 3-4:30 p.m. Free.

Tuesday | March 11

“Dressing the Part” — Purim workshop exploring how special garments and accessories shape our emotions in everyday and special moments. Part of the “Everyday Magic: Jewish Wisdom and Global Practices for Daily Life” series. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 9-10:30 a.m. $18.

ENGAJ Purim Happy Hour — Social gathering for Jews in their 20s and 30s with mishloach manot. At Sports Page, 1431 Plymouth St., Mountain View. 7 p.m. $7, includes one drink and snacks.

Thursday | March 13

Family Purim — Holiday celebration for families with kids featuring a Purimspiel puppet show for ages 6 and under and themed scavenger hunt for ages 6-10. Costumes encouraged. Presented by Urban Adamah, Chochmat HaLev, Wilderness Torah and Berkeley Moshav. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $9-$36, sliding scale.

“Superhero Purim” — Megillah reading and spiel with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and schmoozing. Costumes encouraged. Livestream option. At Temple Beth Torah, 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $18 suggested donation.

Purim Megillah and Dance Party — Holiday celebration with Megillah reading, dance party, tea lounge, music by Shamati and more. Costumes encouraged. Presented by Urban Adamah, Chochmat HaLev, Wilderness Torah and Base Bay. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 7-10 p.m. $24-$72, sliding scale.

“The World Turned Upside Down” — Family-friendly Purim celebration with art activities, workshops, services, pizza dinner and hamantaschen tasting. Livestream option. At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 5 p.m. $5 per person for dinner, registration required.

Purim Service and Megillah — Holiday festivities include “Wicked” themed-megillah reading and banquet dinner. At Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. 6 p.m. $20-$36, registration required. 

Friday | March 14

“Purim in Israel” — Holiday celebration for families featuring live Israeli music, Israeli style food, selfies at the “Western Wall,” kids activities and Megillah reading. At the Lent Chabad Center in San Mateo, RSVP for full address. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $5-$10.

Grand Purim Party — Megillah reading, kids show, dinner and dancing. At Joseph Weingarten Chabad Jewish Center, 2461 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. 6:30 p.m. $25 per adult, $50 per family.

Purim Day Brunch — Holiday celebration with food, wine and Megillah reading. Presented by Chabad of the Neighborhood. At Levin Residence, 333 West Portal Ave., S.F. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Purim Carnival and Shabbat Dinner — Holiday celebration with games, hamantaschen, challah braiding workshop, Megillah reading, Purim-themed activities and Shabbat dinner. Presented by Chabad of the Neighborhood. At Jewish Engagement Center, 85 West Portal Ave., S.F. 5:45-7:45 p.m. $0-$54, sliding scale.

“The Scroll of Esther” — Megillah reading by Yavneh Day School’s staff and community rabbis. Bring groggers. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 10:30 a.m. Free.

“Pi Day Fri-J” — Family-friendly Purim and Pi Day celebration with sweet treats. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 1-3 p.m. Free.

“Pumped Up Purim” — Holiday celebration with pony rides, petting zoo, carnival booths, inflatables, Israeli music, Hebrew and English puppet show, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and more. At South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, 1030 Astoria Drive, Sunnyvale. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.

Kids Purim Spiel — Shir Hadash Preschool and K-6th graders from the Kulanu youth learning program perform a short and kid-friendly Purim spiel. At Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. 5 p.m. Free, registration required.

Sunday | March 16

“Purim with a Twist” — Holiday party with creative costumes, humorous retelling of the Megillah, hamantaschen making and a potluck lunch. Presented by Tri-Valley Cultural Jews. At Livermore location provided with registration. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free for members; suggested $15 donation for nonmembers. RSVP at culturaljews@gmail.com

Bernal Heights Purim Carnival — Family-friendly holiday celebration with carnival games, activities, songs, storytelling, mishloach manot-making and costume parade. Presented by Or Shalom Jewish Community. At Bernal Heights Playground, 500 Moultrie St., S.F. 10-12 p.m. Free.

Community Purim Carnival — PJ Library and Temple Beth Abraham present holiday celebration with bounce house, face painting, balloon twisting, Purim crafts, hamantaschen decorating, DJ, dance floor, games, prizes and adult beverages. Bring a costume. At Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 2-5 p.m.

Purim Palooza — Holiday extravaganza with hamantaschen, games, mishloach manot, costumes, live music, crafts, holiday activities, adults-only learning and “Wicked”-themed Purimspiel. Presented by JCCSF, Congregation Emanu-El, King Knish, Melita and Friends, PJ Library, Repair the World and others. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Shir Hadash Purim Carnival — Holiday celebration with  games, activities, prizes, food and more. At Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free to attend, tickets for carnival games and food $1 each.

Temple Sinai Purim Carnival — Holiday celebration with megillah reading, Wicked-themed spiel, carnival games, bounce house, activities, lunch and more. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. $6-$20.

The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek in memory of Kenneth Gordon.

Vayikra

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

A rabbi I know recently made a fascinating proposal that caught my attention, suggesting a departure from the norm for this year’s Purim celebration. He advocates for Purim without groggers, or noisemakers.

In contrast to the usual custom, he is asking congregants not to bring groggers this year. Instead, they will be encouraged to cheer when they hear the names of Mordechai and Esther during the Megillah reading of the Book of Esther. However, rather than use their noisemakers, the rabbi insists that his congregants remain stonily silent whenever evil Haman’s name is mentioned, forgoing the traditional cacophony to express disapproval.

To be sure, there is much to admire about the rabbi’s approach, which centers the virtuous heroism of Esther and Mordechai rather than the vicious deeds of Haman. It accentuates the positives, at least. Despite these noble intentions, canceling groggers on Purim is misguided. Using noisemakers with the mention of Haman’s name is an essential part of our Purim observance, even if it can induce headaches.

Let me illustrate why. On Sept. 11, 2001, almost 3,000 people were killed in the deadliest terrorist attacks in American history. Of the four hijacked planes, three struck their intended targets. Two planes plowed into both towers at the World Trade Center in New York. A third plane hit the Pentagon. Only one plane, United Airlines Flight 93, en route to the U.S. Capitol building, was diverted by the heroic resistance of passengers on board, ultimately crashing into an empty Pennsylvania field. Everyone on board lost their lives, but untold more were saved.

Why, you might ask, were the hijackers so successful? On each plane, there were only a few men with knives, compared with hundreds of passengers. Why didn’t the multitudes on each plane charge the hijackers and overpower them?

I am frequently asked a similar question about the Holocaust: How could Jews have allowed themselves to be herded into gas chambers by just a few people carrying machine guns? Why did they follow instructions? The answer illuminates the greatest obstacle to combating evil: failure of the imagination.

For the newly arrived Jewish deportees, it was inconceivable that the seemingly civilized German officers could commit such atrocities. The victims, filthy and exhausted from the long journey, were told to line up for the showers. This seemed plausible. Who could fathom herding children into gas chambers? In all of human history, no people had ever done that. The victims could not imagine the depths of Nazi evil. It is nearly impossible for us to imagine today.

It is when the rules don’t apply, when unimaginable hatred is in command, that we become helpless.

Something similar happened to the passengers of the three successfully hijacked planes, decades later. At that time, hijackings were not unheard of. Planes were periodically commandeered to attract the world’s attention. But almost always, everyone survived. Never before had hijackers deliberately turned passenger aircraft into deadly missiles, killing everyone aboard, themselves included. Such an outcome was inconceivable, a new technology of death.

Decades of experience told the passengers that if they simply complied, the hijackers would eventually surrender or be apprehended, and everyone would return home safely. That was the rule. That was the script.

It is when the rules don’t apply, when unimaginable hatred is in command, that we become helpless. In the face of unfathomable evil, decent people are psychologically disarmed. Incomprehension paralyzes.

Who could have imagined deliberately flying into a building? The FBI didn’t. The FAA didn’t. The millions of Americans watching the scene unfold in real time on their televisions could hardly believe what they were watching. How then could we expect the passengers of the hijacked planes, in the center of the madness, to imagine such a scenario, to have the foresight necessary to resist?

But on the morning of Sept. 11, the passengers on Flight 93 did resist, foiling the hijackers’ mission as they crashed the plane into a field and killed all 44 people aboard. Why were they different from the hundreds of passengers on the other flights, all of whom perished in compliance rather than defiance?

They resisted because they knew what was happening. We have a record of their calls. Thirteen passengers made 37 cell phone calls to loved ones. Through these conversations, the passengers learned of the first attacks by hijacked planes.

They knew the nature of the evil they faced. In a terrifying situation, they had the advantage of knowing what horrors had already transpired. And armed with that knowledge, they were able to fight back — thereby saving thousands of innocent lives.

On Oct. 7, an act of unspeakable horror unfolded in southern Israel, orchestrated by the terrorist cadre Hamas. This was not merely an assault on a nation but a challenge to civilization itself, laying bare a catastrophic failure — not just of security, but more critically, of imagination — to recognize the depth of the evil we face. The death of 1,200 people serves as a grim reminder of the cost of underestimating the malignancy of our foes, demanding a recalibration of our strategies and a more vigilant acknowledgment of the threats that lurk in the shadows.

The first step to fighting evil, then, is to label it as it really is, to be fully aware of the evil you face. To defeat it, we must confront it and understand its nature. Naivete in regard to evil, especially for Jews, is dangerous.

This is the important wisdom encoded in a simple Purim tradition. By banging and clapping when Haman’s name is mentioned, we practice — even as children — to recognize evil rather than ignore it. That simple step is the precondition for defeating it.

Put on a silly costume and grab a grogger. It’s time to party, Purim-style. Synagogues, Chabads and Jewish organizations across the region are hosting holiday activities, with family-friendly or adult-only options including costume and dance parties, hamantaschen baking workshops, an “ecstatic dance” ritual and a “Come As You Aren’t” extravaganza with an open bar and performances by San Francisco Jewish drag queens. Did we miss any? Email events@jweekly.com.

San Francisco

Sunday, March 17

SF Family Hamantash Bake—Chabad of the Neighborhood presents a workshop on baking hamantaschen. Baked treats can be taken home or donated to those in need. At Chabad of the Neighborhood, 85 West Portal Ave., S.F. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $12, registration required. 

Purim Extravaganza—Jewish Baby Network and Or Shalom present holiday event for families with kids 3 and under with puppets, storytime, hamantaschen and Purim-themed craft. Wear a costume. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 10-11:30 a.m. $18 suggested donation. 

Tuesday, March 19

Hamantaschen Baking Class—Online workshop to bake hamantaschen led by Alex Ingersoll and Martin Tannenbaum. Presented by Congregation Sha’ar Zahav. Online. 7 p.m. Free, registration required. 

Saturday, March 23

“Mamma Mia! …Here We Go Again!”—ABBA-themed Erev Purim celebration with Megillah reading and vegetarian dinner. Bring a beverage to share and boxes of mac and cheese to use as groggers and then to donate. Presented by The Southside Jewish Collective, Am Tikvah, Beth Ohr of Studio City and Kehillah SF. At Congregation Am Tikvah, 625 Brotherhood Way, S.F. 6-9 p.m. $10, $5 kids 6 and under. RSVP by March 15.

Sha’ar Zahav Purim—Holiday celebration with Barbie-themed Megillah reading, costumes, cocktails and food. Livestream option. At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 6:15-9 p.m. Free, registration required. 

“Purim Kids Zone”—Holiday celebration for families with games, songs, stories, puppets, crafts, costume parade and pizza dinner. At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 4:30-7 p.m. Free, registration required.

“Come As You Aren’t”—Holiday celebration for adults ages 21-40 with Megillah reading, music, dancing, costumes and performances from Jewish drag queens. Presented by Congregation Sha’ar Zahav and Congregation Beth Sholom. At Manny’s, 3092 16th St., S.F. 8-10:30 p.m.

“Megillah and Martinis”—Adult Purim party with Megillah reading, food, martinis, trivia and costumes. At Jewish Enrichment Center, 85 West Portal Ave., S.F. 9 p.m. $18.

Sunday, March 24

“Purimpalooza”—Purim party with costumes, hamantaschen, crafts, games, mishloach manot making, photo booth, live music, dancing, magic show, Barbie-themed shpiel and more. Presented by JCCSF, Congregation Emanu-El, King Knish, Melita & Friends, PJ Library, Repair the World and others. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free, registration required.

Purim Glow Party—Holiday event for families with Megillah reading, collaborative art mural, raffle and black light. Wear white or glow-themed costume. At Jewish Enrichment Center, 85 West Portal Ave., S.F. 3 p.m. $18.

North Bay

Sunday, March 17

Petaluma Family Hamantaschen Bake—Chabad of Petaluma presents workshop to bake hamantaschen and create collaborative Purim joke book to bring joy to Ukrainian children. At Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, 205 Keller St. No. 101, Petaluma. 10:30 a.m. $5. 

Wednesday, March 20

“Dance ‘Til You Don’t Know”—Rabbi Zac Kamenetz of Shefa: Jewish Psychedelic Support facilitates an “ecstatic dance” ritual for Purim, in which participants release themselves and move freely as the music takes them. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 6 p.m. $25 suggested donation, registration required.

Saturday, March 23

“Midnight Megillah”—Purim celebration with Megillah reading, hamantaschen and snacks. At Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, 205 Keller St. No. 101, Petaluma. 8:30 p.m. Free, registration required.

Sunday, March 24

“It’s a Barbie Purim Spiel”—Congregation Rodef Sholom presents Barbie-themed Purim service and spiel. With dinner. Wear a costume. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 5:30-7 p.m. Free, registration required. 

“Purim in Outer Space”—Holiday celebration with “zero-gravity jumping shoes,” science activities, face painting, “ha-moon-tashen,” groggers, space-themed Megillah and costumes. At Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 4 p.m. $15 adults, $10 kids. 

Purim in the Shuk—Holiday celebration with Israeli-style dinner, drum circle, Israeli music, henna artist, freshly squeezed juices and Megillah readings. At Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek. 5-7 p.m. $18 single, $60 family. 

East Bay

Sunday, March 10

Purim Playdate Party—Jewish Baby Network, Jewish Gateways, PJ Library Bay Area and Honeymoon Israel present Purim celebration with holiday treats, gift bags, crafts and a costume parade. At Dracena Quarry Park, 130 Dracena Ave., Piedmont. 3:30-5 p.m. $18 suggested donation. 

Sunday, March 17

JCC East Bay Purim Carnival—Holiday event with crafts, face painting, hamantaschen, talent show for kids and more. Wear a costume. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 2-5 p.m. $18 per family. 

Hamantaschen Baking Parties—Workshop for adults to bake hamantaschen. Bring filling options. Presented by Jewish Gateways. Albany location provided with registration. 2-4 p.m.

Thursday, March 21

Ta’anit Esther Tent of Mourning Actifest—The Shalom Center presents full day actifest (activist festival) of sessions, teachings and ritual to support attendees in deepening and expanding their grief, with public Tent of Mourning to grieve both Gazan and Israeli lives lost since Oct. 7. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Free, registration required.

Saturday, March 23

Family Purim Celebration—Urban Adamah, Chochmat HaLev, Kehilla Community Synagogue and Berkeley Moshav present holiday event for families with kids 12 and under with themed crafts, music, stories, games, puppet show and community dinner. Costumes encouraged. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $12-$36 sliding scale, under 2 free. 

“The Whole Megillah”—Urban Adamah, Chochmat HaLev, Kehilla Community Synagogue and Base Bay present Purim festival with community dinner, Megillah reading, dance party, live performances, mystical tea lounge, costumes and more. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 7:30-11 p.m. $24-$72, sliding scale. 

Purim in the Palace—Chabad of Tri-Valley presents holiday event with banquet, cocktails, Megillah reading, masquerade and horse-and-buggy rides. At Chabad of Tri-Valley, 3370 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton. 4:30 p.m. $20, $60 per family.

Sunday, March 24

Temple Beth Hillel’s Purim Carnival—Holiday celebration with megillah reading, games, prizes, food, bouncy house and more. Wear costumes and masks. At Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central St., Richmond. 12-2 p.m. Free, $5 for games and bouncy house.

“¡Cantamos!”—Mexican Jewish singer and children’s educator Aviva Jinich leads Purim edition of a monthly music event featuring songs in Spanish, music from Latin cultures, movement, stories, puppets and multicultural connections to Jewish culture and community. With snacks. For families with kids 6 and under. Presented by Olamim and JCC East Bay. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 3:30-5 p.m. $18 per family.

Temple Israel Purim Celebration—Megillah reading and holiday celebration with bouncy house, face painting, clown, costume contest, games, prizes, buffet lunch and adult beverages. At Temple Israel of Alameda, 3183 MeCartney Road, Alameda. 10:30 a.m. $15, includes buffet lunch.

South Bay/Peninsula

Sunday, March 17

Purim Palooza—Jewish Baby Network and Honeymoon Israel present holiday event for families with kids 3 and under with music, dancing, hamantaschen, themed snacks and Purim goodie bags. Wear a costume. At Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City. 3:30-5 p.m. $18 suggested donation. 

Friday, March 15

Tot Shabbat Purim Edition—Purim-themed program for families with children 5 and under with story time, songs and food. Bring unopened packs of diapers, wipes and formula to donate to Ayudando Latinos A Soñar, an organization in Half Moon Bay that works directly with individuals and families. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 5:15-6:15 p.m. Free, registration required. 

Sunday, March 17

Purim Family Parade and Party—Jewish Silicon Valley presents event for families with fitness warm-up, costume parade, games, photo-ops, refreshments and hamantaschen. Optional “Israel Quest Purim Adventure” for kids aged 8-13 to solve clues, complete puzzles and learn the story of Purim. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 3-5 p.m. $5-$10, kids under 2 free.

Friday, March 22

“Stand Up” Kabbalat Purim Party — Holiday celebration with spoken word performances, Purim parody songs and personal accounts from folks who felt called to “stand up” against antisemitism. Presented by Coastside Jewish Community. At Cameron’s Pub & Restaurant, 1410 S. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay. 5-7 p.m. Free.

Food coverage is supported by a generous donation from Susan and Moses Libitzky.

What do you get when you combine my two favorite desserts in one? Carrot Cake Hamantaschen!

You may already know about my love for hamantaschen and my ongoing effort to reinvent the deli classic with new and novel flavor combinations. This springtime-inspired cookie pays homage to the carrot cake, with carrots blended into a spice dough, and stuffed with a cream cheese frosting filling with chopped walnuts.

There are three tricks to hamantaschen that don’t open when baked. The first is to not overfill the hamantaschen. One teaspoon of filling is plenty; if you add too much, it will push the edges out when baking, causing it to open. The second secret is to fold the hamantaschen into a triangle, and don’t simply pinch it (see my Instagram reel for examples!). Lastly, before baking, refrigerate your shaped hamantaschen for 10-15 minutes or prevent any spreading.

Carrot Cake Hamantaschen

Makes 20-24

Dough

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tsp. cornstarch
• 3 Tsp. finely grated carrots, packed
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground ginger
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg
• ¼ tsp. salt

Filling

• 1 cup (8 oz.) cream cheese
• ¼ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 Tsp. finely grated carrots
• 2 Tsp. finely chopped walnuts

Start by making the dough. In the bowl of stand mixer, combine the butter and sugar, mixing on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.

Add the flour, cornstarch, carrots, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt, mixing on low until combined.

Use your hands to shape the dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, egg yolk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, carrots, and walnuts. Mix with a wooden spoon until well combined.

Line two large baking trays with parchment paper.

Remove the dough from the fridge and cut it in half. Rewrap one half of the dough with plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge. Roll the other half of the dough on a well-floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness.

Use a 3-inch circular cookie cutter (or glass) to cut out circles, and transfer them to the lined baking trays. Repeat with remaining dough. Brush each circle with the cornstarch mixture. Reroll the scraps until all dough is used. If you find the dough is sticking to the glass, dip it in flour before cutting.

Place 1 tsp. of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the left side of the dough towards the center, covering a small portion of the filling. Fold the right side of the dough toward the center, slightly overlapping with the left on the edge closest to you, creating a triangle shape. Fold the top of the dough over, pinching the edges together, or tuck it over like an envelope.  Pinch each corner to secure.

Repeat with the remaining circles, and transfer the tray to the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Move the hamantaschen directly from the fridge to the oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until just golden. Note: If you roll the hamantaschen out too thick, it will take longer to bake. Check for doneness around 12 minutes.

Let cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Something was afoot at the San Francisco branch of the Young Men’s Hebrew Association in early 1904.

“Unusual bustle is the order of the day at the Y.M.H.A. club house,” we wrote. “Preparing for the Purim masquerade ball next Tuesday evening, March 1st, is the cause of the great activity prevailing. The affair promises to be a very brilliant and unique one and its attractions will be manifold and out of the ordinary.”

Purim, that day of story and song, was a mainstay holiday in San Francisco and the Bay Area at the end of the 19^th century and in the early years of the 20^th century, with balls and lunches and masquerades organized every year, making the holiday festive but decorous.

Perhaps too much merrymaking seemed excessive to the secularized, Reform Jews that made up the bulk of the paper’s readership — as a whiff of disapproval comes through in an 1897 treatise on the festive holiday.

The author, R. Farber, chose to emphasize not the fun of Purim, but rather its moral lessons. “We do not mean to return to the farce and mockery with which the festival was marked in olden days, but to make it one of inspiration for all that is good, as it was intended by the author of the book of Esther.”

But wait! Maybe Purim is dying out anyway! Or at least we thought it might, back in 1924.

“The festival of Purim is dying out among the observances of our faith, and is losing its appeal to the modern Jew,” wrote a New York rabbi named Marius Ransom.

Purim was dying out, the writer posited, because the holiday lacked in ideals and was not religious enough. It was about the Jews winning, not through Jewish values but just through smarts. And it was undignified, too.

“Is there not, to say the least, something unseemly in the fact that this rejoicing expresses itself so predominantly in exultation over the destruction of Israel’s enemies?” It was very “un-Jewish,” he added, as “Forgiveness is the badge of the Jewish soul.”

Predictions aren’t always right, and Purim didn’t go anywhere. In 1931 we ran a guide on how to host a Purim party with this editor’s note: “We all know the Biblical story of Purim. It is read to us each year, and always we enjoy it. In this article, however, Miss Turnheim does not repeat the well-known tale, but instead, in her engaging, entertaining style, tells us how to make our Purim party a success. Read this — and then eat, drink and be merry! — The Editor.”

Doris Turnheim, the author, explained how the tradition was to go door to door in costume, but that could be adapted for the modern Jew.

“Since, however, this strolling about may prove to be more of a nuisance than anything else in this age and generation, it would probably be best if you arrange for entertaining your guests in the house.”

Since card-playing is permitted on Purim (which this year falls on March 6-7), she recommended it as a diversion, and “when and if your guests tire of bridge or pinochle you may turn on the radio, and dance-music will take care of them for the rest of the evening.”

And a feast was de rigueur.

“Be sure you have plenty of grape juice or lemonade or fruit punch to substitute for the unlimited quantities of wine which the Rabbis permitted the Jews to drink on Purim but which modern custom frowns upon. As for solid food — how’s this for a menu? Toasted sandwiches, cut in triangular shapes; pear salad; lekach and Hamantaschen and candy.”

Lekach is a honey-sweetened cake, and if you don’t know what making a pear salad might entail, have no fear.

“The pear salad,” Turnheim writes, “is particularly appropriate because halved preserved pears are more or less triangular. Put half a preserved pear on a bed of lettuce leaves, and beside it lay a little mound of mayonnaise or whipped cream. Over the whole sprinkle a heaping teaspoonful of chopped walnuts, and on the mayonnaise, or whipped cream, lay half a strawberry — another triangle. This makes a very dainty salad.”

Seven decades later, in 2002, our readers were still looking for direction on how to celebrate Purim. At that time the internet was still new enough that we were in the habit of writing in our print newspaper about online opportunities.

“Where to begin with Purim sites on the World Wide Web? The problem is that there are so many,” syndicated journalist James Besser wrote in these pages.

“The Web is becoming more homogeneous; it’s getting harder to find genuinely creative, interesting sites,” he continued. “And the Jewish Web is no exception. Still, there are many excellent sites that can give your Purim a boost.”

He highlighted a few of them — albeit with a little criticism (“Good writing,” he wrote about one site, “but it would help if these guys did a better job of Web formatting”) — on topics from learning to recipes to Purim humor, or at least an attempt at such (“Peruse such offerings as the Purim song to the tune of ‘La Bamba.’”)

Pear salad and “La Bamba” aside, the carnival atmosphere of Purim is complemented by some serious moments, summed up by these words from 1897 that still ring true today.

“It is not so agreeable to be reminded that Jew baiting and hatred already existed in those remote days,” Farber wrote 126 years ago. “It reminds at least those who hear the story repeated that they are Jews, and that hatred against Israel has not ceased to our present day; that every age has its Hamans, but likewise its Mordecais and Esthers.”