Purim parties

Photograph: dailynewspix.com

Purim, which begins at sundown on Monday 9, commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people, as told in the book of Esther. The holiday involves biblically mandated boozing and sartorial insanity, but make no mistake: This isn’t Halloween Jew-point-O. “Dressing up on Purim plays on the idea of what we reveal and what we keep hidden,” says Rabbi Leana Moritt, director of Jewish outreach at the 92nd Street Y. “It’s about exposing a different side of yourself.” Grab a gragger and some hamantaschen and let’s get crunk!

WHERE TO GO IF YOU WANNA...

ROCK OUT WITH YOUR TZITZITS OUT
Purim with Soulfarm This concert/CD-release party for the Jewish prog-rockers’ latest effort, Monkey Dance, begins with DJ Diwon spinning club hits and ends with secular Baltimore jam band the Bridge. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-997-4144). Mon 9 at 8:30pm; $15–$20.

ROLL WITH RABBIS
It’s Purim, Let’s Party! Don’t be surprised if you see both Hasids and hipsters getting down at this singles fete—after all, the Chabad of North Brooklyn is right off of Bedford Avenue. The party features a performance by Talat, a kosher buffet and an open bar. Chabad leader Rabbi Shmuel Lein gently reminds us, “While the Talmud does decree drinking to get drunk, we should party responsibly.” Spoken like a true holy man. Chabad of North Brooklyn, 132 North 5th St between Bedford Ave and Berry St, suite 2C, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-388-0748). Mon 9 at 7:30pm, suggested donation $10.

MINGLE WITH HOTTIE HEEBS
Museum of Jewish Heritage Young Friends Purim Party This congregation of twenty- and thirtysomethings promises a “Pour ’em for Purim” menu of themed drink specials, like the Haman the Horrible (a dark Jager-type mix). There will also be a DJ, a costume contest, and a raffle for Equinox gym memberships, clothing from Theory and a mac-daddy private lesson with celebrity mixologist Junior Merino. Red Sky Bar, 47 E 29th St at Park Ave South, second floor (646-437-4321). Thu 5 at 8pm; $35–$45.

PARTY WITH A CAUSE
Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl Purim Masquerade Ball Expect a young (mostly single!) professional crowd at this costume ball and open bar, whose proceeds benefit Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl. Guests include Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld from The College Humor Show; masks will be distributed at the door, but dressing in costume is encouraged. M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 W 28th St between Tenth and Eleventh Aves (212-681-7800, ccoc.net). Sat 7 8:30–11pm, $36.

HAVE A GAY OLD TIME
A Purim Tea Dance “What gay doesn’t love a good costume party?” asks organizer Jayson Littman. “Purim is about hidden identity, an idea that definitely speaks to the gay community.” Littman hopes to bring the “festive vibe of Purim to a more mainstream gay venue, and open it up to secular gay Jews and non-Jews.” Drinks are two-for-one for the first hour, and DJ Scotty Rox will play Top 40 hits mixed with contemporary Israeli pop. Dressing up isn’t mandatory, but the grand prize for the costume contest is a gift basket from Boy Butter Lubes, a certified-kosher lubricant. Splash Bar, 50 W 17th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-316-4838). Sun 8 6–11pm, $5.

Challah at ya boy >>
Three Jewish hip-hoppers tell us what they’re doing for Purim.

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