Good afternoon,While we are all preparing for another possible storm, fortunately, there are some wonderful activities coming up in the next couple of weeks at Oceanside Jewish Center. Before we begin today, we want to let you know that the Minyan Mispachah, our new family service, and the Junior Congregation, as well as Kol Haneshema will all be combined with our regular service tomorrow starting at 9:30am in the Hymowitz-Myers Chapel. It all begins with a special study session with the Rabbi starting at 9am.

On this Sunday from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, there will be a Cupcake War event, pitting cupcake against cupcake and only the tastiest will survive (actually, the tastiest will certainly not survive except as a delicious memory). It will take place at the OJC Youth Lounge. For more information, check out the flyer.

Then, next weekend, Rabbi Aviva will be conducting her monthly Rosh Chodesh group for women to celebrate the New Month on Sunday, February 10 at 11:30am in the Library. Did you know that Esther was not the only woman in the Megillah? This is your chance to learn about the other ladies.

And while we’re talking about the Megillah, one of the most exciting and fun Jewish holidays is coming up…Purim! It is time to start thinking about hamantashen, groggers, and costumes. Our Purim Ball will be on February 23 and is sponsored by Sisterhood.How many times a year do you get to come to synagogue dressed up in costume and scream and yell when we say Haman? To say Purim is an experience is a little like saying Winter Snowstorm Nemo (did they really name it Nemo?) will give us some flurries today.But OJC isn’t just having a very special and crazily fun Purim Ball. No! Purim is too much fun to only have one party. On Sunday, February 24, the PTA is partnering with Young Israel of Oceanside for a Community Purim Carnival at OJC. There will be inflatables, games, prizes, food, raffles and so much more.

For more information, please check out this flyer we have on the website for the Purim Ball or this one for the Purim Carnival or view a slideshow from last year’s Purim Ball and let us know if you want to attend. You can also contact Wendy Pusateri sisterhood@oceansidejewishcenter.org or Judy Kagan 678-4860 for more information on the Purim Ball or call 764-4213 for more info on the Carnival. We’d love to see you there!

We’ve created a special page on our website to celebrate Purim. Please keep checking for new updates and more events. In the coming weeks, we’ll give you reminders about attending as well as ways you can celebrate Purim with your own family as well. For instance, if you have any Hamantashen recipes you are particularly proud of, please email them to us and we’ll share them with our congregation.

We hope you are all doing well and please have a safe, wonderful and restful Shabbat.

More Upcoming events

Sunday, February 10

9:00AM  Gesher Class (MPR)

11:30PM Rosh Chodesh Program (MPR)

6:00PM  JOY Mtg. (BM)

Monday, February 11

7:00PM  Adult Hebrew Class

7:00PM  Rosh Chodesh Program (MPR)

Wednesday, February 13

9:45AM  Infant/Child CPR Class–RSVP to NS Office-764-4213

7:00PM  Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class (Room1)

7:00PM  Top 10 Talmud Class (BM)

8:15PM  Adult Education-The Observant Life (MPR)

Thursday, February 14

11:00AM Bible Study (MPR)

5:45PM  RS Beit Midrash (BM)

Friday, February 15

10:00AM NS Purim Celebration

5:10PM  Candle Lighting

6:00PM  Kabbalat Shabbat