Purim festival begins tonight at Chabad

Chabad of the Conejo will celebrate the holiday of Purim beginning with a community Purim Festival at 7 p.m. tonight, Thurs., March 20, at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village.

The festival includes the reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), noisemakers, refreshments, masquerade contest, juggling act and special Purim pastry called Hamantashen. An interactive show will re-create the story of Purim as children and adults meet the characters of the holiday.

The cost is $5 per person.

For reservations, visit www.JewishAcademy.con.

Chabad will conduct services with the reading of the Megillah on Fri., March 21 at the various Chabad centers: 6 a.m. in Westlake, 2524 Townsgate Road Ste. H; 6:30 a.m. at Oak Park, 5998 Conifer St.; 7:30 a.m. in Agoura Hills, 30345 Canwood St., and an additional Megillah reading at 10 a.m. in Westlake. The public is invited to a family brunch at 10:30 a.m. in Westlake.

Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot set by the chamberlain Haman to destroy them. Queen Esther interceded with the king, and the scheme was overturned. On this day, Jews traditionally share gifts of food called shalch monot and give charity to those in need.

For more information, call (818) 991-0991.