San Diego Area Congregations, Schools Plan Unique Purim Programs

From costume dress-up days to British-themed celebrations, the Jewish community is getting creative for the holiday.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Congregations and schools across San Diego County are planning a variety of unique Purim programs and events to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Activities range from costume dress-up days at local Jewish day schools to a British-themed 'Purim Invasion' celebration at Beth Jacob Congregation, as well as educational events exploring the deeper meaning behind the Purim story.

Why it matters

Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from genocide in ancient Persia. By organizing creative and engaging Purim programs, local Jewish organizations are helping to strengthen community bonds and pass on cultural traditions to the next generation.

The details

San Diego Hebrew Day School is hosting 'Purim Dress up Days' from February 23 to March 3, where students will dress in different themed attire each day. Beth Jacob Congregation is planning a 'British Purim Invasion' event on March 3 featuring carriage rides, a scavenger hunt, British pub food, and more. The Jewish Federation of San Diego, Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, and the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center are also presenting a special program on April 12 called 'Heroes Beyond Borders: Stories of Diplomatic Courage' that will highlight the legacies of two diplomats who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

  • San Diego Hebrew Day School's 'Purim Dress up Days' will take place from Monday, February 23 to Tuesday, March 3.
  • Beth Jacob Congregation's 'British Purim Invasion' event will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
  • The 'Heroes Beyond Borders: Stories of Diplomatic Courage' program will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.

The players

San Diego Hebrew Day School

A local Jewish day school hosting themed dress-up days for Purim.

Beth Jacob Congregation

A synagogue in San Diego planning a British-themed Purim celebration.

Jewish Federation of San Diego

An organization co-hosting a program about diplomats who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

Jewish Community Foundation San Diego

An organization co-hosting a program about diplomats who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center

An organization co-hosting a program about diplomats who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

By organizing creative and engaging Purim programs, local Jewish organizations in San Diego are helping to strengthen community bonds and pass on cultural traditions to the next generation, ensuring the continued vibrancy of the region's Jewish community.