February 21, 2013 | 11:53 pm

Purim for all—Special Needs Events this Weekend

Posted by Michelle K. Wolf

Follow JewishJournal.com on

Purim is an especially festive Jewish holiday that captures the essence of many Jewish holidays--the bad guys tried to kill us, we triumphed, now let's eat and party! For people with sensory issues, it can be challenging since it tradtionally includes very loud booing every time that the name of the bad guy, Haman, is mentioned. To help prepare kids for all that noise, there's a lot of great tools available through the Gateways website including social stories about how to wait in line at a Purim carnival, a simplified version of the Purim story, and lots of games and other activities.

This year, Purim is on Saturday night, February 23 and Sunday, February 24, and there's a wide variety of celebrations in our area for children and adults with special needs. Our 18-year-old son with special needs used to cry and whine during megillah readings when he was younger, but now he can't get enough of Purim songs, parties and screaming out "BOO" on top of his lungs.We will be going to as many of these events listed below until I am the one crying!

A special thanks to HaMercaz for sharing this list:

Yachad LA Purim Extravaganza

Saturday Night, Feb 23, 7:45-9 pm with JLIC at UCLA

UCLA Hillel, 574 Hilgard Avenue

Chaverim Purim Party Hosted by B'nai David Judea
Sun, February 24, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
B'nai David- Judea 8906 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles (Social Hall)
FREE! Costume Contest, Mishloach Manot Purim Baskets, Singing, Dancing and Snacks.
Please RSVP to Gerry Dicker at (818) 464-3360 or gdicker@jfsla.org

Etta Young Professional Purim Party
Sun, February 24, 12pm - 3pm
The Mark on Pico 9320 West Pico Blvd Los Angeles, 90035
Tickets: $25 per person.

To buy tickets and for more information, go to ettapurim.eventbrite.com or call 818-985-3882 ext 231

Friendship Circle LA--Purim in Africa
Sunday February 24t, 4:30-6:30pm, Megillah Reading at 4:40 pm
9051 W Pico Blvd, LA 90035 4th floor, One Block East of Doheny
Teen volunteers will be on hand to assist all children who have
special needs. Child's parent must be present.
RSVP to Chayie at 310.280.0955 or email chayie@fcla.org

Valley Friendship Circle and Camp Chesed Family Fun-Stival
Sunday, Feb. 24, Adar 14 12:00pm, Megillah Reading 12:3

"Orange Delight" Purim Feast 1:30Magic, Game Booths, Prizes & Awards, Live music,

Megillah reading and much more! Adults & Children Grand Masquerade Contest!!
Weisman Estate 5324 Genesta Ave, Encino, 91316
 

Chag Sameach!!