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PURIM
Purim falls on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (Tuesday, March 2nd, 1999). The actual holiday begins on Purim eve, which falls this year on March 1st. This is when the Megillah is read.
According to the Book of Esther, Purim is the holiday instituted by Mordecai to celebrate the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot to kill them. The word PURIM refers to the lots cast by Haman to determine the month in which the slaughter was to take place.
To Israeli children, Purim reminds one of Halloween in the States. The children dress up in costumes, some of them quite outrageous and comical. Of course, some children do dress up as Esther and Mordecai, but most prefer to dress up as popular political figues, or as soldiers and policemen. They can be seen in the morning walking to school in their costumes, on their way to class Purim parties.
Photographers and photo shops do a brisk business on Purim. It seems like just about every Israeli parent wants to photograph their children in their Purim costumes. Many places of work are closed on Purim, while other places remain open. Tradition has it that it always rains on Purim, even if it is only a slight drizzle or a few drops. At this time of year, it is the end of the winter and spring is in the air.
In Hashmonean times this holiday was known as the 'Day of Mordecai.' As previously mentioned, Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. However, the Jews of Shushan celebrated the holiday on the 15th day of Adar, and this day is known as Shushan Purim. In walled cities such as Jerusalem and Safed, Purim is celebrated on the 15th day of Adar.
The main feature of Purim is the reading of the Book of Esther, also known as 'Megilat Esther' or simply as the 'megillah.' It is customary for both children and adults in Israel to make a loud noise with rattles and noisemakers whenever the name of Haman is read from the Megillah, in order to blot out the memory of Haman. Of course, in a paradoxical sort of way, the reading of the Megillah ensures that the name of Haman will always be remembered.
The Book of Esther mentions 'sending portions' to friends on Purim and of giving gifts to the poor. In Israel, parents often give their children coins or other monetary presents on Purim. Even after the children are married, the custom persists in some families. A popular food on Purim is a filled three-cornored cookie known as Haman's Ears ('hamantashen"). The shape of this cookie reminds one of the hats worn by the three Musqueteers.
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