Return to Purim page Purim is for Participation! Here’s How to Join the Fun: Attend a Purim service and hear the reading of the book of Esther.  Bring a grogger and dress in a mask and costume.  Purim services are held both in the evening and morning of the holiday.  Check listings in your local Jewish newspaper, or contact synagogues, community centers, local colleges and universities, youth groups, and schools. Make or buy your own grogger to use for drowning out the name of Haman as the book of Esther is read.  These can be purchased at Judaica stores, synagogue gift shops, or through mail order.  A big metal pot and a large spoon make an effective noise maker. Make masks and costumes to wear to religious school or synagogue.  Dress up as your favorite character from the Purim story, or any character you wish. Help set up or attend a Purim carnival. Check listings in your local Jewish newspaper, or contact synagogues, community centers, youth groups, or schools. Prepare and enjoy a festive meal with family and friends.  Include special foods and hamantaschen for dessert (click here for the recipe). Prepare and send packages of sweet foods to family and friends.  According to Jewish tradition, everyone should send a package to at least two people.  In Hebrew, the sending of gifts is called “mishloach manot,” or in Yiddish, “shalech manos.”  For more information about the mitzvah of Shalach Manot, click here. Participate in a Purim spiel or program.  Be clever and creative.  Include humor, music, costumes, poems, and parodies.  Use the summary above to create your own interpretation. Make a tzedakah donation to your favorite charity.  It is customary to remember the disadvantaged on Purim. Bring a little fun to someone in need.  Visit patients in the hospital or the elderly in nursing homes.  Cheer someone up with songs, gifts, stories, or skits. Go to a Jewish museum or exhibit in your area and look at Megillot (plural of Megillah) scrolls that contain the book of Esther.  Megillot are written and illustrated by hand.  Find out about their origin and history. Ask an older Jewish person in your community how he or she celebrated Purim as a child.  You’ll be entertained with stories of years past, which will give you ideas for your own fun. Blessings for the Festive Meal Click on this plate of Hamentashen for the recipe!