This week was Purim in Israel. It was my first time celebrating this holiday, and I didn't know what to expect.
I mean, I know the story of Esther. It's a favorite. But I wasn't sure how the day would be celebrated.
So when I started hearing about balls and parties, and seeing costumes in local shops, I was surprised. Then I learned that dressing up in costumes is a big part of the celebration. The reason why is because this real-life event—how God saved the Jews from annihilation at the hands of Haman in Persia—doesn't have any overtly obvious miracles. God worked miraculously—in disguise. His appearance in Esther (Megillah in Hebrew) is also hidden: through how He works and references to prayer... the name of God isn't even mentioned!
A second tradition is that if you go to a synagogue on Purim, you'll hear the reading of the entire book of Esther (Megillah). As it's only 10 chapters, it isn't too long.
A typical food for Purim are hamantaschen, 3-cornered pastries that are basically pockets with filling, which is often poppy seeds. There are many reasons for this, from the shape of the pastry to the poppy seeds. The most intriguing to me was a story from the Talmud that Daniel was Esther's faithful messenger in the palace, and since both ate kosher, they ate a lot of poppy seeds.
Another theory for the shape of the pastry is that Mordechai sent messages to all the Jews talking about the destruction that would come, but they didn't believe him. So he sent more, but was worried they would be intercepted. So instead he hit them in side pocket pastries.
Another story is that Haman wore a 3-cornered hat. And the word "tash" in the middle of Hamantaschen means "to weaken". Literally, Haman weakens.
Other traditions include giving gifts to the poor or charity, as well as gifts to a friend.
While I didn't go to any parties or feasts (I didn't know about one until it was too late, as I'd already made plans), I saw so many people in costumes—adults and kids alike. People at were dressed up or had a fun decoration on their clothes. Stores were decorated as well. I went to a sporting goods store on Wednesday and each of the mannequins had something fun added to the outfits they were advertising. Schools were out for both Wed and Thurs, and there was a festive feeling in the air.
One more cool thing I learned about the significance of Purim: God has used this date multiple times to show His rescue of the Jewish people. For instance:
- Joseph Stalin died on Purim in 1953
- The Persian Gulf war, which started with Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, ended on Purim.
!חג פורים שמח
