Celebrating the Feast of Purim

The feast of Purim began last evening and concludes February 28 at sundown. Celebrating Purim is one of the more joyous occasions in the land.

At the heart of Purim festivities is the reading of the book of Esther in the synagogue. In this book, the heroine, Esther, thwarts the program of arch villain, Haman, at the urging of Mordecai. In his words, Esther has "come to the kingdom for a time like this." The king of Persia listens to the pleas of Esther, and Haman receives a dose of his own medicine.

The public reading of the book of Esther becomes rather boisterous. At the mention of the name of Haman, the crowd may stomp their feet, hiss, or sound horns.

Three other commandments for the day call for the sending of food gifts to friends, the giving of charity to the poor, and the eating of a festival meal.

One final aspect of the celebrations resembles "carnival." The costumes can represent Jewish heros or heroines. Masks are often worn. All in all, the day's activities are sober but entertaining.