Jewish organizations across the UK held Purim parties galore this year. Megillah readings and themed events took place in Synagogues for all ages. Festivities included entertainers and a plethora of activities before refreshments including hamantaschen.

Mizrachi UK celebrated in style, hosting engaging Seudot in London and Manchester. In London, children and adults enjoyed a spectacular magical Disney-themed Purim Seuda in a festive atmosphere. In Manchester, there were Seudot for families featuring soft play areas and craft activities. An interactive Megillah reading was specially designed for children.

Mizrachi expanded festivities by launching the Chovevei Tzion community in the city with a Chinese-themed seuda with Rabbi Benjy Rickman. He said: “Watching our community growing and being able to provide for every section of the community is what community building is all about.”

David Reuben, Mizrachi executive director, said: “Purim is a time for celebration and unity within our community. These events exemplify the spirit of Purim and our values.”

GIFT embarked on an extraordinary mission at care homes in London and Manchester. Over 150 young volunteers visited 11 care homes delivering Mishloach Manot, singing songs, and creating memories for residents. Leading up to Purim, GIFT’s volunteering community packed over 1,600 bags of Mishloach Manot, including a large print activity book packed by schools, youth groups, and volunteer programs.

GIFT launched the Care-Nection program to empower young people to build relationships with care home residents. The initiative is in memory of sisters Marianne Arakie, Kathleen Benjamin, and Sarah Noah.

With their parents and siblings, they arranged a Purim celebration at the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish care home in Wembley for nearly 50 years. GIFT’s commitment Matanot Le’evyonim saw £26,000 distributed to families in need on Purim.

Chani Simon, GIFT High Schools Educator, said: “Acts of kindness transformed Purim for volunteers and residents, creating moments of pure joy and connection.”

Camp Simcha’s Purim extravaganza saw a 500-strong rally in Manchester, a Purim stall at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and supporters out in force in Golders Green. Bringing a little circus magic to the London party, at JFS, over 300 family members enjoyed a fun-filled circus workshop.

Plate spinning, juggling, and hula hoops kept children entertained, while adults enjoyed an opportunity to be with other Camp Simcha parents. Some 75 Camp Simcha family members in and around Manchester jumped into the Purim festivities with an unforgettable party.

Meanwhile, crowds came out in force for Camp Simcha’s annual rally with a high-energy concert in the sunshine with singer Michael Carrol.

Over 500 people joined Aish UK for a series of dynamic events. Rabbi Naftali Schiff, Aish UK CEO said: “At Purim and Pesach, the Jewish people faced a crisis. The Aish response is to focus on the positive, be aware and face enemies but internally combat this with positivity. This year it may be difficult to celebrate festivals like Purim, but we need to do what Jews have done since time immemorial and turn negativity into positivity.”

Sixty London-based school students gathered for a bingo night. Aish’ Campus department in London hosted a Boat Party on the River Thames with challenges and activities for 145 students. Over 90 young professionals enjoyed a pre-Purim Friday night dinner at the Aish Centre on Brent Street.

On Purim, students joined a seuda brunch and Megillah reading by Rabbi Goldwater. In Manchester, 90 people came together for a weekend of festivities. Events included a dinner party for 6th formers and a party for young professionals hosted by Rabbi Zvi and Miriam Gefen. Purim day culminated in a lunch and Megillah reading for students.

Aish also hosted a Purim seuda for 90 young professionals at the home of Rabbi Cookie and Shana Cohen. Rabbi Rafi Stemmer read the Megillah, and Yossi Glass performed mentalist tricks.

Kisharon Langdon hit the streets, shuls, and seudot to fundraise for Kisharon Langdon on Purim. A Purim party was held at the Kisharon Wohl Campus Kisharon Noé School A Loftus Learning Centre. Dr. Lionel Davis read the Megillah, followed by a Seudah where attendees exchanged Mishloach Manot and gave Matanyot L’evyonim. In the evening, there was a party with a magician.

People the charity supports also went shpeiling, and in the lead-up to Purim, the Social Enterprise team planned, purchased, and sold Mishloach Manot sets to raise money for the charity.

Sacks Morasha had a magical Purim with activities including Zumba for Jewish Care, Tzedukah Bucket collecting for Kisharon Langdon, Mishloach Manot exchanges, a Purim plate decorating competition, and fun and games.

Tenants at Harmony Close and Meta Worms Court had a joint tea party. Senior Housing Manager, Gabriela, and Housing Manager Tanja organized the event. At Daniel Court, Senior Housing Manager, Biljana, and Housing Manager, Joe, baked Hamantaschen for tenants who helped decorate them.

Rebbetzen Zipporah Sufrin, with Rabbi Yitzchok Sufrin of Enfield and Winchmore Hill synagogue, ensured Purim was celebrated in style. Having arranged a Seuda at the Aviv Restaurant in NW London, Rabbi Michoel Rotenberg read the Megilla for Edgware and Enfield shuls.

JLiving celebrations were in abundance across a number of schemes in London. There were celebrations across the United Synagogue network of synagogues. The Jewish Family Centre organized a variety of activities including Purim arts and crafts, hamantaschen baking, face painting, and stay-and-play sessions for families.