Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar, and Parsippany's Temple Beth Am is gearing up for a day filled with mitzvahs and joy..

The special day commemorates a time when Jewish people living in Persia, the country now known as Iran, were saved from extermination. The primary commandment related to Purim is to hear the reading of the Biblical book of Esther, which often comes in  the form of a scroll called the Megillah.

The holiday is marked with carnival-like celebrations. Purim means plays and parodies, beauty and costume contests and all kinds of fun. Temple Beth Am's carnival begins at 10:30 and is free to prospective members (a nominal charge for all others). Celebrants give each other mishloach manot, gifts of food and drink. Alms are given to the poor. Everyone enjoys a feast. 

Temple Beth Am is hosting its own Purim carnival and the entire community is invited to attend. The celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, with the carnival kicking off at 10:30 a.m. .

The fun-filled day begins with a Purim play entitled "Star Shpiel: Return of the Jew-di," directly followed by the reading of the Megillah.

There is a nominal admission charge; get more information on obtaining tickets at 973-887-0046 ext. 10. The events are free to members and to prospective members, who should call the phone number to pre-register.