Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown holds a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Marlee Meyerson, 3, of Allentown as on of the "three blind mice" and Nia Anderson, 5, of Macungie as Sandy from Sponge Bob during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Marlee Meyerson, 3, of Allentown as on of the “three blind mice” and Nia Anderson, 5, of Macungie as Sandy from Sponge Bob during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Ariana Bub of Allentown, and Gabby Bragin of Easton organize the Bingo table prior to a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Ariana Bub of Allentown, and Gabby Bragin of Easton organize the Bingo table prior to a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

A specially decorated cake for dessert during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)A specially decorated cake for dessert during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Rachel Loetzbeier of Salisbury Township holds her son Luke, 8 months, during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Rachel Loetzbeier of Salisbury Township holds her son Luke, 8 months, during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Decorated masks lie on a table during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Decorated masks lie on a table during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

Stephen Loetzbeier of Salisbury Township plays Bingo with his son Owen, 5, during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Stephen Loetzbeier of Salisbury Township plays Bingo with his son Owen, 5, during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

 

Rabbi Moshe Kurtz, of Congregation Sons of Israel in Allentown, holds his daughter Layla, 1, dressed as Queen Esther during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Rabbi Moshe Kurtz, of Congregation Sons of Israel in Allentown, holds his daughter Layla, 1, dressed as Queen Esther during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Raz Saltz, 5, of South Whitehall Township and Talia Kurtz, 4, of Allentown play chess during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Raz Saltz, 5, of South Whitehall Township and Talia Kurtz, 4, of Allentown play chess during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

Marlee Meyerson, 3, of Allentown beams at her sister Sophie, 4, holding her prize for Bingo, during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Marlee Meyerson, 3, of Allentown beams at her sister Sophie, 4, holding her prize for Bingo, during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Sheer Saltz, 9, of South WhitehallTownship wins at Bingo during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Sheer Saltz, 9, of South WhitehallTownship wins at Bingo during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Raz Saltz, 5, of South Whitehall Township decorates his face with sticky gems during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Raz Saltz, 5, of South Whitehall Township decorates his face with sticky gems during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

Jamie Gordon-Rodriguez of Allentown, as Angel of Lily and Stitch, dresses her daughter Iris Gordon, 9, as Stitch, during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Jamie Gordon-Rodriguez of Allentown, as Angel of Lily and Stitch, dresses her daughter Iris Gordon, 9, as Stitch, during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
A variety of pasta dishes are served during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)A variety of pasta dishes are served during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Talia Kurtz, 4, of Allentown as Queen Esther during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Talia Kurtz, 4, of Allentown as Queen Esther during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

Ira Toff, 7, of Allentown enjoys his pasta dinner during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Ira Toff, 7, of Allentown enjoys his pasta dinner during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Clementine Toff, 5, of Allentown helps Micah Cohenotis of Allentown at Bingo during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Clementine Toff, 5, of Allentown helps Micah Cohenotis of Allentown at Bingo during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Talia Kurtz, 4, of Allentown as Queen Esther during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Talia Kurtz, 4, of Allentown as Queen Esther during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

Sophie Meyerson, 4, of Allentown wins at Bingo during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Sophie Meyerson, 4, of Allentown wins at Bingo during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Jamie Gordon-Rodriguez of Allentown looks at her daughter Iris Gordon, 9, holding a Bingo card during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Jamie Gordon-Rodriguez of Allentown looks at her daughter Iris Gordon, 9, holding a Bingo card during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Guests enjoy food and games during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)Guests enjoy food and games during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

A variety of pasta dishes are served during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther's deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)A variety of pasta dishes are served during a Purim celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Purim celebrates the biblical story of Esther’s deliverance of the Jews in Persia from a massacre plotted by Haman. The holiday, which is marked by the retelling of the Book of Esther, gift giving, meals and costumes, begins this year on Monday evening and continues into Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)