Kol Tzedek Purim Party. (Photo from Kol-tzedek.org)

The West Philly local synagogue Kol Tzedek will be holding two Purim events this and next week (Saturday, Feb. 28 and Wednesday, March 4). All community members are invited to take part in the celebration (you don’t have to be a member of the synagogue to participate in the events), hear the story of Purim, try delicious hamentashen, watch Purim performances, sing, dance and have fun. Both events draw a crowd of over 100 people, according to Kol Tzedek member and event organizer Rowan Machalow, who sent us this information. Kol Tzedek is located at the Calvary Center (48th St. and Baltimore Ave.). Here’s more information about the events from Kol Tzedek:

Annual Purim Rock Spiel led by Jessi Roemer & the Purim Players
Sat, Feb. 28, 4:15 p.m.

Mi Zeh Ba? Who is that coming? Rock-n-Roll Ahashverosh? Blues-Man Haman? Bassa Nova Esther? Come laugh, sing, dance, and enjoy our fabulous, fun for all ages Purim spiel (play) and celebration!

Enjoy our creative retelling of the story of Purim, written by our very own Jessi Roemer and performed by the community, with plenty of audience participation! Please bring a noisy non-perishable box of food to use as a grogger & donation to those in need and some fresh or bought hamentashen to share. Children & adults alike are invited to get into the holiday spirit and dress in costume! There will be even be some prizes for those most creative in our community!

Schedule of Events:
4:15 p.m. Doors open: Face-painting and crafts for kids of all ages downstairs
5:00 p.m. ROCK PURIMSPIEL!
5:45 p.m. Gathering for Havdallah, separating Shabbat from the week
6:00 p.m. PIZZA and hanging out (pizza will be $2/slice)
If you can, bring some additional pocket change to help feed hungry Philadelphians.

Children and adults of all ages are welcome!

INdecision5775: Purim Edition (KT Purim & Megillah Reading)
Wed, March 4, 7:30 p.m.

Join Kol Tzedek and the city’s best Purim news team in the Philly Mayor’s Race for INdecision5775: The “They tried to kill us, we survived, now let’s eat” edition. King Ahasuerus is a lame duck. KT Purim features: Independent Schnapps Expenditures, Yiddish SuperPAC Smackdown, Better Know A Ward Leader, and the Great Puppet Debate.

Drinks and nosh provided. Bring some cash to support the bar and local charities. Wear a costume – the wittier the better! More details and RSVP on Facebook.

NOTE: this event is for adults.