Megillah reading, Thursday, February 25, 7 pm, Shaḥarit with Megillah reading, Friday, February 26, 8 am—Please join Congregation Emanu-El on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 7 pm for a night of animated and joyous Megillah reading, and the opportunity to swap the medical masks for some real masquerading and colourful costumes. We’ll share some of your Purim-Shpiels throughout the evening. Let your wild and crazy side emerge. Feel free to dine on delicious appies, hamantaschen, or other food and drink, with your family (or social bubble). Let’s reclaim and celebrate joy in a world turned upside down. All are welcome.
Continue reading Finding Joy in an Upside Down World
Monday, March 9, 2020: A Purim Celebration—Each of us knows someone who inspires us. This special individual may be a fictional superhero (think comic book) or a real-life person (say actor, activist, mentor, singer, etc.). Or, perhaps they are one of the protagonists in the beloved Book of Esther. 
Sunday, March 1, 2020, 7-9 pm at Congregation Emanu-El—Why do we wear masks on Purim? Why do we party and drink alcohol? Why did the early rabbis say that Purim will be the only holiday that exists in the messianic era, when all other holidays are gone? And, most of all, why has all this juicy information been kept secret for so long? Join Rabbi Matt Ponak for a mystical look at the inner dimensions of this ancient holiday. This class is a spiritual preparation for Purim, a holiday that takes us beyond good and evil and into the unity of all existence. This event is for teens and adults only.
Monday, March 9, 2020 — Purim is coming, don’t miss out! To help you celebrate this joyous festival, we will be offering a light dinner buffet and then a Megillah reading at 7:00 pm.
On Wednesday March 20, Emanu-El celebrated Leil Purim in grand style. Participants young and old showed up fully attired. Our gathering included “women” with matching blue hair and dresses, some in imperial/palatial garb, tux and top hat, and even a sexy police officer. And, who can forget the appearance of Wonder Rabbi? There was a make-up artist on hand, and a karaoke machine for the post-megillah festivities.
Sunday, March 10, 2019 10 am to 12 noon, Jewish Community Center, 3636 Shelbourne Street — The Jewish Federation of Victoria & Vancouver Island, PJ Library, PJ Our Way & Congregation Emanu-El invite everyone to a Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Jewish Community Center of Victoria, 3636 Shelbourne Street. This is a free Family Event featuring carnival games, magician, costume parade, hamantashen, snacks and drinks. Come in costume and win a prize! For more info or to volunteer, please email 
February 28 — Bake or buy delicious cookies for distribution through Victoria Dandelion Society to people living on the street. Proper observance of Purim includes Matanot l’evyonim (gifts to the poor).
Wednesday, February 28 starting 5:00 pm — As the month of Adar approaches, our joy increases in anticipation of the holiday of Purim. We invite the congregation to join us for a Purim Pizzajama Party at the synagogue on Wednesday, February 28 starting at 5:00 pm.