The past month at Congregation Beth Ahabah was, unsurprisingly, dominated by Purim events! 

Beth Ahabah’s Young Adult Community Kibbitz (YACK) kicked off the holiday programming with an evening of hamantaschen baking on Thursday, February 19 in Beth Ahabah’s kitchen. 

Participants enjoyed several kinds of sweet fillings and two kinds of dough—a lemon zest-infused dough and a dark chocolate one. 

A few days later, the Women of Beth Ahabah sponsored their second annual Congregational Bake Fest after Religious School on February 22. Congregants of all ages, armed with rolling pins and circle cutters, baked dozens of batches of Purim treats to take home. 

On Saturday, February 28, Beth Ahabah’s YACK helped to sponsor the community-wide young adult Purim party held at the Weinstein JCC. This year’s theme, “B’nai Mitzvah Throwback” inspired costumes from the ‘80s and ‘90s, line dances, B’nai Mitzvah games, and much more! 

The following day, Beth Ahabah’s Religious School celebrated Purim with costumes, classroom fun, and a short but spirited Megillah reading. 

Later that evening, an audience of nearly 200 people gathered in the Goldburg Auditorium to watch some very talented actors and singers, accompanied by Music Director Natan Berenshteyn, retell the story of the Book of Esther. The 2026 Purim Shpiel included parodies of Billy Joel songs, fun costumes, 1980s vibes, and Esther, the original “Uptown Girl.” 

On Monday, March 1, the congregation offered a study session and dinner featuring the entire English translation of the Megillah, as well as scholarly commentary. Festivities concluded at the congregational Erev Shabbat service celebrating Purim on Friday, March 6. 

Attendees were treated to a laser light show, bubbles, confetti cannons, and a reading of the Megillah complete with a shadow cast, sound effects, music, and a galloping horse!

On Friday, March 13, the congregation celebrated the Girl Scouts of America and Scouting America. Pre-service Oneg snacks included Girl Scout cookies, and each Scout and registered adult leader in attendance received a patch commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.

On the Horizon
Everyone is invited to the congregation’s Erev 7th Day of Passover service with Yizkor. The Passover Oneg will begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by the service at 6:15 p.m.

All are invited to a Stages of Life Concert on Sunday April 12th at 4 p.m., featuring Beth Ahabah’s Music Director, Natan Berenshteyn, with incredible local actor and singer, Alia Bisharat Glidden! Come with them as they sing though the many stages of life, sharing some of the music that most impacted them from childhood to adulthood. Life is a journey, and life is also a stage! 

This concert is a fundraiser for Beth Ahabah’s Britlyn Weinstock Community Music Fund, which provides resources for community-wide music programs with Jewish and interfaith partners from across the Greater Richmond Community.

Just in the past year, the Britlyn Weinstock Community Music Fund helped underwrite:

• a community-wide program featuring musicians-in-residence The Afro-Semitic Experience, in partnership with the Weinstein JCC and YMCA (Feb. 2025)

• a Yom HaAtzmaut Community Concert featuring Israeli pop star Micha Biton in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Richmond (May 2025)

• a Centennial Celebration of Theo Bikel featuring scholar-in-residence Aimee Ginsburg Bikel (Jan. 2026)

• and more musical programs to come next year!

Instead of charging a set amount per ticket, there is a suggested minimum donation of $25/adult, and $18/adult for Beth Ahabah members. 

Questions? Contact Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman (cantorbeckberman@bethahabah.org).