Name: Purim Carnival at the J
Start: 2026-03-01T12:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-03-01T15:00:00-05:00
Location: York JCC

Come join the York JCC as we celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim at our 2026 Purim Carnival!
Join us on Sunday, March 1 from 12 - 3 PM at the York JCC. Everyone is welcome to celebrate with us for this FREE event, which is open to members and non-members of the J.
This year's theme is Once Upon a Purim, and visitors are encouraged to dress in their favorite costume from a fairy tale or magical story! Think castles, dragons, fairies, unicorns, princes & princesses... we can't wait to see your costumes!
Join us for this family-friendly event that includes:
• a bounce house
• Food trucks including LettUsKnow Salads & Wraps, On My Grind Coffee, Daddy Mac, and Kona Ice
• wandering performers
• face painting
• tiny tots area
• popcorn
• hamantashen
• balloon art
• free crafts from Creative York
• raffles
• carnival games & prizes
Purchase a $10 wrist band for UNLIMITED carnival game play. (Cap of $25 per family).
Our PlaySpace room will also be available for children who need a sensory break during the festivities.
We can't wait to see you at Purim!
Questions about Purim? Contact Adriel Resh, Director of Jewish Life & Culture at [email protected].

WHAT IS PURIM?
Purim (POUR-um) begins sundown March 2 and ends sundown March 3. It is a joyous holiday that recounts the saving of the Jews from a threatened massacre during the Persian period (539-330 BCE).
The story of Purim is recounted in the Book of Esther, whose eponymous heroine plays the leading role in saving her people from the evil king’s advisor Haman.
The holiday is traditionally celebrated by reading from the Book of Esther, celebrating with wild abandon by dressing up and eating delicious foods, and giving out Mishloach Manot (gift baskets) to the community. If you hear the name Haman, make sure to boooooooo loudly!
WHAT IS PLAYSPACE?
We welcome families to join Miss Holly, our Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) at PlaySpace, a special place where children can find peace and comfort when the world feels a little too overwhelming.
As you step into this magical space, you're greeted by calming pastel shades that landscape the room, blue skylight covers providing dim lighting, and soft background music to create a sense of harmony and balance, helping children to relax and unwind.
With cozy bean bag chairs that sit underneath a comfy tent in one corner of the room, a sensory area beckons with an array of interactive toys and tools designed to engage children’s senses and calm their minds.
From squishy stress balls and textured fidgets to soft building blocks and soothing sensory jars, perfect for snuggling up with a book or stuffed animal.
Here, in PlaySpace, children will find a safe area to escape the chaos and find solace in the quiet moments.