Purim celebrations, various locations, Feb. 24

The Jewish holiday Purim is a festival that celebrates the bravery of Queen Esther, a Persian monarch, who, along with her cousin Mordechai, foiled the plans of the king's advisor (Haman) to exterminate the Jews in Persia. Join the celebration of Purim in and around Boston this month:

"PJ Library Purim Palooza with Jenny the Juggler," Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton. Sun., Feb. 24, 10-11:30 a.m. Families with children ages 2 an up. JCC Member: $10 per family; nonmember: $15 per family; walk-ins, additional $5. Celebrate with juggling, magic tricks, face painting and more. Costumes encouraged. Experience the Purim tradition of giving by decorating and filling mishloach manot (holiday baskets). www.bostonjcc.org

"Purim Carnival," Temple Hillel B'nai Torah, 120 Corey St., W. Roxbury. Sun., Feb. 24, noon - 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Tickets for games: 10 for $5, 22 for $10. Come dressed up for a Purim Carnival filled with games, hamentashen cookies, moonbounce, face painting, prizes and more. www.templehbt.org

"Purim in the Shtetl," Chai Jewish Center, Canton High School, 900 Washington St., Canton. Sun., Feb. 24, 12:30 p.m. All ages. Adults $10 Children $5 (prepaid by February 20). Megillah reading, banquet meal, Klezmer band, Purim masquerade. Every child in costume will receive a prize. www.cantonchaicenter.com

"Purim Party Palooza," Temple Shalom, 475 Winthrop St., Medford. Sun., Feb. 24, 2-4 p.m. All ages. $5 per family. Fantastic face painting, balloon twisting extravaganza, children’s games, prizes, kids' costume parade, arts & crafts, pinata and of course lots of delicious hamantaschen (fruit filled cookies symbolic of this Purim holiday). www.templeshalommedford.org

"The Purim Show," Temple Beth Israel, 25 Harvard St., Waltham. Sun., Feb. 24, 3 p.m. All ages. Temple members $25; non-members, $18; youth, $5. The musical program will feature Purim songs from the repertoires of legendary celebrities, songwriters and composers. www.tbiwaltham.org

"Purim Story Celebration," Barefoot Books, 89 Thoreau St., Concord. Sun., Feb. 24. 3-4 p.m. Ages 2 and up. Free. Registration appreciated. Hear tales about Purim, sing songs together, and take part in a fun craft. www.barefootbooks.com