פורים Purim - Hebrew Institute of Riverdale

Taanit Esther begins on Monday, March 2nd, at 5:17am and ends at 6:28pm. Click here to learn more.

Purim Schedule 5786 | 2026

Monday, March 2nd | Tuesday, March 3rd

Purim Schedule

Tefillah & Megillah Readings

Monday, March 2nd
4:00pm: Youth Megillah Reading - Main Sanctuary
5:10pm: Beth Aharon Mincha - Lower Level Beit Midrash
5:20pm: Mincha - Main Sanctuary
6:10pm: Maariv - Main Sanctuary
6:10pm: Shachar Megillah Reading - 2nd fl. Beit Midrash
6:15pm: Beth Aharon Maariv & Megillah Reading - Lower Level Beit Midrash
6:30pm: Megillah Reading with text on screen and costumes - Main Sanctuary
8:45pm: Women's Megillah Reading - Lower Level Beit Midrash
9:45pm: Late Megillah Reading - Main Sanctuary

Tuesday, March 3rd
6:00am: Shacharit & Megillah Reading - Main Sanctuary
6:30am: Beth Aharon Shacharit & Megillah Reading - Lower Level Beit Midrash
8:00am: Shacharit & Megillah Reading - Lower Level Beit Midrash
10:45am: Megillah Reading only - Lower Level Beit Midrash
2:30pm: Early Mincha - 2nd fl. Beit Midrash
5:35pm: Mincha/maariv - Main Sanctuary

All Bayit Services are on Zoom = Zoom.us/j/6136133700 Dial-in: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 613 613 3700

With the exception of the Women’s Megillah Reading = Zoom.us/j/6136133703 Dial-in: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 613 613 3703

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

Laws & Customs

Questions? Please email Rabbanit Bracha: rabbanitbracha@thebayit.org

Calling All Megillat Esther Readers!

The night-time Megillat Esther Reading for Women line up is now complete. If you are interested in reading Megillat Esther in future years, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.