Purim is one of the most joyful and playful festivals of the Jewish year, celebrating courage, community, and the surprising reversals that shape our lives. It commemorates the story of Esther and Mordechai, who bravely saved the Jewish people from danger in ancient Persia. Purim is a festival of triumph, transformation, and the reminder that even in uncertain times, hope and joy can prevail.

Central to Purim are four mitzvot that help us connect to its story and its spirit:

• Megillah Reading – Hearing the story of Esther aloud, remembering the courage and cleverness of our ancestors.

• Mishloach Manot – Sending gifts of food to friends, celebrating connection and generosity.

• Matanot La’Evyonim – Giving charity to those in need, ensuring everyone can share in the joy.

• S’udah – Enjoying a festive meal with family, friends, and community, embodying celebration and gratitude.

Monday 2 March, 2026 / 14 Adar, 5786

Purim is coming… and this year we’re following the Yellow Brick Road to Oz!

With a little Wicked magic in the air, Shtiebel will transform into a place of song, story and joyful mischief, somewhere between Shiz Academy and the Emerald City, where masks reveal truth, courage changes the plot, and community helps us discover that there’s no place like home.

Because Purim falls on a Monday evening, Purim at Shtiebel will unfold as one celebration in two acts, making space for everyone to celebrate in their own way. Come early for a family-friendly experience, come later for Megillah and learning, or stay for the whole journey. However you mark Purim, there is a place for you in Oz!

Act 1: Enter the Shiz Academy

• 4.30pm – Mitzvah & Making
  Hands-on creative activities and Purim fun as we follow the Yellow Brick Road through the Four Mitzvot of Oz!
• 5.15pm – Costume Parade & English Megillah
  Costumes, parade and songs & story (with prizes) — a little musical magic for all.
• 6.00pm – Purim S’udah
  Shared pizza dinner around our Emerald City table and the bridge into the night.

Act 2: Live from the Ozdust Ballroom

• 6.00pm – Purim S’udah
  Arrive, stay or re-join the table as the night begins with our Purim Pizza Party
• 6.45pm – Ma’ariv & Megillah
  Evening prayer and a spirited Megillah reading with plenty of Wicked energy.
• 7.30pm – Tisch & Text Study
  Song, learning and good company as we linger somewhere over the rainbow.

Register Here

Gather your family and friends and join us for good and for wicked! We can’t wait to see you in Oz! Please register to let us know how many munchkins, Wicked Witches and Wonderful Wizards will be joining you, so we can prepare our magic elixirs, spells and magic!