Taanit Esther begins on Monday, March 2nd, at 5:17am and ends at 6:28pm. Click here to learn more.
Tefillah & Megillah Reading 5786 | 2026
Monday, March 2nd | Tuesday, March 3rd
Purim Schedule
The Bayit is joining other tefillot in expanding the custom of reciting pesukei geulah (verses of redemption) aloud as a congregation during Megillat Esther. In addition to the four verses traditionaly read aloud, we will be reciting two more, verses 2:7 and 9:32, which introduce Esther and celebrate her long-lasting impact on the holiday of Purim. The megillah readers will pause before those two verses, as they do before each of the other four, to allow the Kahal to joyously recite them before they repeat them. For more information about this custom, please see Rav Steven's short analysis here. We look forward to raising our voices in expanding the narrative of redemption on Motzaei Shabbat and Sunday morning.
Laws & Customs of Purim 5786 | 2026
Questions? Please email Rabbanit Bracha: rabbanitbracha@thebayit.org
Calling All Megillat Esther Readers!
- The night-time Megillat Esther Reading for Women is looking for more readers. If you would like to join and read a Megillah chapter, please reach out to RabbanitBracha@thebayit.org.
- The Bayit is offering in-person and Zoom options for hearing Megillat Esther on Purim. However, there are homebound community members who either prefer not to rely on Zoom or struggle with technology. If you are able to read Megillah for others or if you or someone you know needs a home reading, please reach out to Rabbanit Bracha at rabbanitbracha@thebayit.org.
Mitzvot Purim
Send Mishloach to fellow Bayit Members
We are encouraging all members to participate in the Bayit’s Purim campaign for Mishloach Manot. Please email richard@thebayit.org to receive link to registration forms.
Matanot L'evyonim
Fulfill the Mitzvah of Matanot L'evyonim, please go to thebayit.org/matanot.
Parshat Zachor
On Shabbat February 28th, there will be additional readings of Parshat Zachor after Musaf and 10 minutes
before Mincha.
before Mincha.
Machatzit Hashekel
Machatzit Hashekel will be available on Monday, March 2nd (Taanit Esther) and Tuesday, March 3rd (Purim day).
Rabbinic team members can collect personal Matanot L'Evyonim throughout Purim.
Rabbinic team members can collect personal Matanot L'Evyonim throughout Purim.
Chesed Opportunity
Mishloach Manot Matching!
We are continuing a beloved Bayit tradition to deliver Mishloach Manot packages to our friends and neighbors who are homebound and
would appreciate some extra Purim cheer. If you would like to be matched with one or more recipients, please reach out to office@thebayit.org.
We are continuing a beloved Bayit tradition to deliver Mishloach Manot packages to our friends and neighbors who are homebound and
would appreciate some extra Purim cheer. If you would like to be matched with one or more recipients, please reach out to office@thebayit.org.
Youth Purim Celebrations
Purim Decorating • Sunday, February 22nd • 12:00pm-5:00pm
Come and make Purim decorations for the Main Sanctuary. Please email yael@thebayit.org to join.
Purim Decorating • Sunday, March 1st • 12:00pm-5:00pm
Calling all children to help us decorate for Purim. Parents are invited to join their children. Please click here to sign up.
Youth Megillah Reading • Monday, March 2nd • 4:00pm
Calling all children to join us in costume for this special Megillah Reading.
Youth Purim Carnival • Tuesday, March 3rd • 12:30pm-2:30pm
Early Bird Rate Until 2/26: $60/family • $22/child • $18/children 3 and younger
From 2/27: $70/family • $30/child • $20/children 3 and younger. Register @ thebayit.org/carnival.
Walk-ins: Cost will increase by additional$10.
Children with Sensory Sensitivities are invited to join us from 12:00pm - 12:30pm to enjoy rides without loud music and with fewer children.
From 2/27: $70/family • $30/child • $20/children 3 and younger. Register @ thebayit.org/carnival.
Walk-ins: Cost will increase by additional$10.
Children with Sensory Sensitivities are invited to join us from 12:00pm - 12:30pm to enjoy rides without loud music and with fewer children.
Programs
Handing out Mishloach Manot • Friday, February 27th • 11:30am
Spread Purim cheer with the HIR rabbinic team! They will be in costume on Johnson Ave. handing out
mishloach manot to Riverdale residents. Interested in volunteering with your children?
Email yael@thebayit.org to let us know.
mishloach manot to Riverdale residents. Interested in volunteering with your children?
Email yael@thebayit.org to let us know.
Sat, February 14 2026 27 Shevat 5786