Starting the evening of March 15th and ending at sunset on March 16th is the Jewish celebration of Purim. Purim is a celebration of the Jewish deliverance into the Persian Empire.

The story behind Purim celebrates the defeat the king of Persia from his plot to destroy the Jewish people. Mordecai and his adopted daughter Ester saved the Jewish people and Ester became the Queen of Persia. This event in Jewish history is celebrated with a great feast.

With the celebration, beside to eating and drinking, one is to give charity, have the Scroll of Ester read, and wear masks and costumes. Common foods to be eaten during the holiday are pastries called hamantashcen, triangular pastries with jelly in the middle, and kreplach, dumpling filled with meat.

So, get your masks and have a Purim party! Or, if you are unable to, check out one of the many events happening on Long Island in celebration of Purim! 

• Purim Masquerade Ball - Huntington - March 15th
• People's Purim: Jewish Voices for Peace and Justice - The Peoples' Voice Cafe at The Community Church Of New York Unitarian Universalist - New York - March 15th
• Purim in the Palace - A Creative Twist on a Traditional Celebration - The Viana Hotel - Westbury - March 16th
• Superhero Purim 2014 @ TBT - Temple Beth Torah - Melville - March 16th
• Purim Carnival - Suffolk Y JCC - Commack - March 16th

How will you celebrate Purim? Tell us in the comments below!