Purim is celebrated by the reading of the Scroll of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillat Esther, which relates the basic story of Purim. Under the rule of King Ahashuerus, Haman, the King's prime minister, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of the land from destruction. The reading of the megillah is typically a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman's name is read aloud.Purim is the most fun holiday of the year. During the evening service you get to dress up, be raucous (noisemakers are encouraged!), and eat tasty treats. The atmosphere is that of Halloween and watching all of our friends' kids dress up for the first time is going to be very exciting. Of course the morning services are a bit more solemn but overall it is a great holiday full of the 4 "F"s: family, friends, food, and fun.
Purim is an unusual holiday in many respects. First, Esther is the only Book of the Bible in which God is not mentioned. Second, Purim, like Chanukah, is viewed traditionally as a minor festival, but elevated to a major holiday as a result of the Jewish historical experience. Over the centuries, Haman became the embodiment of every anti-Semite in every land where Jews were oppressed. The significance in Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become - a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival against all odds.
...and treats! Like this one. You didn't think I would resist posting the Maccabeats did you?
Happy Purim!
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