Celebrating Purim in St. Louis

University+City+Purim+Parade+-+Photo+by+Bill+Motchan

University City Purim Parade – Photo by Bill Motchan

Looking for Purim events in St. Louis? Here are several events held by local synagogues and Jewish organizations, organized by day.


Sunday, March 13

CRC hamantaschen baking: At 10 a.m. join CRC online for a hamantaschen baking session. In this Zoom cooking class, learn how to make some delicious treats for Purim. Details and ingredients list will be posted at www.centralreform.org/events/crc-cooks.

Shrek in Shushan — Purim at B’nai Amoona:  At 10:30 a.m., Congregation B’nai Amoona (324 S. Mason Road) hosts its Purim Shpiel, “Shrek in Shushan” (a recorded performance featuring members of BAUSY and our staff). People can also pre-order pizza to take home with them after the show by clicking HERE.

Purim celebration at Temple Israel: Congregation Temple Israel is hosting a Purim Park & Party event for the community. Participants can park their car at TI and join the fun Purim festival on foot. You’ll nosh on hamantashen and yummy dishes from local food trucks, enjoy entertainment and a petting zoo, and receive holiday take-home goodies and giveaways. The event is from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Temple Israel, 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Dr. (Plan to arrive by 11 a.m. to have time to enjoy all the activities.) Free to attend; open to the community.  Masks required on the campus (outdoors and indoors). Party moved indoors if inclement weather. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $54, $108, and $180. RSVP, order extra hamantashen and sponsor (by March 4) at www.ti-stl.org/PurimParty.

Shaare Emeth plans ‘Purimchella’: Congregation Shaare Emeth is hosting “Purimchella” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 13 in honor of Purim. Billed as a family music and fun festival, featuring Rick Recht, Lucy Greenbaum and Chef Bananas, this interactive event features food trucks, art activities, hands-on games and of course, lots of singing and music. To register, go to https://www.sestl.org/purim/purimchella-family-music-fun-festival.  Prior to Purimchella, at 10:15 a.m., join Shaare Emeth clergy and staff as they perform “A Very Encanto Purimspiel.” Costumes are welcome. This event is recommended for preschool-age children and older. Shaare Emeth is located at 11645 Ladue Road.


Wednesday, March 16 

Purim Megilla reading at NHBZ: Bring your noisemakers and your entire family to hear the whole Megilla at NHBZ at 8:05 p.m. All are invited, and costumes, merry-making and fun are highly encouraged! For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.

Purim spiel at CRC: Join CRC at 8 p.m. for “CRC 5800 to the Future Purimspiel.” CRC is back in person as well as livestreamed for the annual Purim spiel full of futuristic hijinks. Details will be posted at www.centralreform.org/events/purimspiel.


Thursday, March 17 

Annual U. City Purim Reenactment Parade: All residents of the “kingdom” are invited to hail Mordechai the Jew as he rides through the streets on the king’s steed, led by Haman the Aggagite. The annual grand procession beginning at 2 p.m. on Purim day at the corners of Cornell and Gay avenues in University City, ending at Saxony Court. The parade will feature local personalities in full costume and make-up as Mordechai and Haman.

NHBZ Purim seudah, costume contest & schtick nite: Hear the second reading of the Megillah at 7 a.m. Then, later that day enjoy a delicious festive meal at 6:15 p.m. Come in costume and participate in NHBZ’s costume contest, which has three categories: children, adults and couples/family. Get your “schtick” together and show off your talent with a skit, game, poem, jokes or musical entertainment. RSVPs are required, no walk-ins. Early-bird prices before noon on March 8: adults (12 and over) $18; children ages 4-11, $15; kids 3 & under, free. Family cap $62. After noon on March 8: adults $25; children $18; family cap $87. RSVP by March 12 at 314-991-2100, ext. 2. Proof of vaccination required for ages 12 and older. Masks required of all attendees ages 3 and older.

Bob Dylan and the Yiddish poets: Purim Edition : At 7:30 p.m., enjoy “Bob Dylan and the Yiddish poets: Purim Edition” with Will Soll, Andy Curry and Eitan Kantor. The event will feature a remarkable poetic Yiddish retelling of the Megille by Itzik Manger, alongside Bob Dylan’s music. In person at CRC as well as livestreamed. Details at www.centralreform.org/events/yiddish-poets.

Hamantashen baking and Megillah readingChabad of Chesterfield invites the community to an interactive hamantashen baking workshop and Megillah reading at Chesterfield Mall, beginning with the Megillah reading at 4:30 p.m. The program is geared towards both adults and children, who will learn the “ins” and “outs” of making the most perfect and delicious tasting hamantashen, along with the spiritual meanings behind the favorite holiday treat. Participants will have the opportunity to make a tray of their very own delicious hamantashen to take home as well as some to share with friends and family. Suggested donation is $36 sponsor $108; all are welcome. RSVP by March 12 by visiting www.ChabadofChesterfield.com/purim or calling 636-778-4000.