WATERVILLE — Congregation Beth Israel marked the Jewish holiday of Purim on Thursday with activities for children.

The holiday, considered one of the more joyous of the Jewish calendar, commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient times from Persian King Ahasuerus’ adviser Haman, who had planned to kill them.

Those taking part dress in costume, feast and read from the Book of Esther, which describes the Jews’ escape from harm.