Northern Virginia Jews Celebrate Purim with Sunday Fun

Sunday marks the Jewish festival of Purim.

Purim is one of the fun Jewish holidays. It commemorates the Jews of ancient Persia overcoming a plot of ruler Haman to destroy them.

What does that mean to Jews living in Northern Virginia in 2011? Reading the book of Esther, boisterous  celebration, costumes, eating Hamantaschen (pastries in the shape of Haman's three-cornered hat) and delivering baskets of candy to friends.

Here are three local places to celebrate Purim this weekend:

Chabad of Reston-Herndon will be hosting an International Purim Party at the at 6 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a costume contest, a buffet and other family fun. Adults: $20; Children: $12. Click here for more info.

Congregation Beth Emeth in Herndon is hosting a Purim Carnival Sunday at 12:15 p.m. There will be a costume parade and typical carnival games and prizes, as well as food.

Fun for the whole family, but best suited to elementary school age and younger. There will also be an adult blood drive at the same time.

Admission: $20 (all the games you can play, plus a kids' meal). For more information, click here.

is hosting a Purim Carnival Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.     

NVHC's annual carnival will include games, food and prizes. Wear a costume.

 For more info, click here.