Purim carnival Sunday

The Jewish festival of Purim will begin at sunset tonight. The holiday commemorates a story from the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible in which Queen Esther foils a plot to exterminate the Jews.

According to the story, Haman, an advisor to the Persian ruler King Ahasuerus, planned to kill Jewish exiles from the Kingdom of Judah. But Esther alerted the king to the plan, and he issued an edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves against any enemy.

The first Purim feast followed the Jews’ victory in battle against their would-be killers.

Children from Temple Bat Yahm’s preschool program in Newport Beach held a Purim celebration Friday.

The holiday is typically marked with carnivals, masquerade parties and eating triangular pastries called Hamantaschen.

Temple Bat Yahm, 1011 Camelback St., will host a Purim carnival from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The event will feature pony rides, laser tag, a portable video game truck, giant slides and food and drinks. Admission is free, and tickets for rides are available for a fee.

— Brianna Bailey