Megillat Esther

Purim is the lightest and most fun of all Jewish holidays. That does not mean that there is not a lesson to be had, but at least on the days of Purim we are allowed to go outside our normal behavior, dance, make parades, have parties and other fun activities.

The holiday or festival of Purim celebrates the story as related in the Book of Esther. The story takes place in ancient Persia empire. The king, Ahashuerus, had an advisor,vizier, Haman, who plots the extermination of the Jewish people there. Ahashuerus makes some bad decisions due to his excessive drinking, i.e. being drunk. Luckily one of his wives, Queen Esther learns about Haman’s plot and that Ahashuerus has given permission to carry out the plot. Esther turns to her her uncle and foster parent, Mordecai, and together they foil Haman’s evil plans to exterminate the Jews.

The day following the defeat of Haman was declared a day of festivities and rejoicing.

Observance and Festivities

As all other Jewish holiday, Purim begins with sunset. During the evening it is customary to go to synagogue and hear the reading of the Book of Esther (Megillat Esther). During the reading, every time the name of Haman comes up, the community is supposed to make so much noice that the name can’t be hear. Why? To wipe out evil. How? Through shouting or the use of rattlers (noise makers, ra’ashan).

Since the holiday of Purim is about having as much fun as possible it became the custom to dress up and have purim plays and parties. It is also costumary to give out mishloat manot, literally sending out portions, but really baskets with sweets, candies and cakes. Talking about cakes the special food for purim are oznei haman (haman’s ears), also know as hamantaschen. This is a cookie like pastry folded into a triangle with chocolate, puppy seed or jam filling.

In Israel

In modern Israel this is the day for the kids in particular to dress up, to put on make up, to become whatever they want for a day or two. Purim is a two day holiday from school and studies. On the last day before Purim the children come to school dressed up, and of course there are no studies on that day. No wonder that Purim has become so popular.

On that same day, or more commonly, on the Friday closest to the holiday many places hold adloyadot, a combination of street carnival and parade. These adloyadot can be elaborate affairs, with floats and themes. But this is not just for the children. Adults also dress up and participate. The adloyadot are for the children, young adults take the opportunity for creating their own parties in the evenings.

As I often work during the holiday of Purim I don’t always have the chance to participate. But I have been known to turn up for work wearing a wig or a funny hat. We all find our own way to celebrate.

A few pictures representing a local Purim festivity