Gesher Shalom Celebrates Purim, Carnival Planned for Sunday [Photos]

Purim is celebrated by the reading of the Scroll of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillat Esther, which relates the basic story of Purim:

Under the rule of King Ahashuerus, Haman, the king's prime minister, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia, but Queen Esther and her cousin, Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of the land from destruction, foil his plan.

The reading of the Megillah is typically a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise making when Haman's name is read aloud.

at 1449 Anderson Ave. is sponsoring a Purim Carnival Sunday, March 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The carnival, which features games, crafts, raffles and a "bouncy slide," is open to the public, including people of all ages and all religions, according to Rabbi Kenneth Stern of Gesher Shalom.