LESSONS FROM PURIM
Thursday evening was the first night of celebration of a Jewish holiday called Purim. It is based on the story of Esther, which was included into the Hebrew Bible. It describes events which took place in the 4th century B.C. in Persia. After Babylon destroyed Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem in 587 B.C.E., the Judeans from the Kingdom of Judah were exiled to Babylonia, which was captured by Persia.
The plot of the story describes how Haman, the King’s highest official plotted to kill all the Jews in Persia. He convinced King Ahasuerus to issue an edict to destroy all the Jews. After the king’s wife Esther revealed to her husband that she was Jewish, he issued another edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves.
Of course, the story has a happy ending, and it is read in the synagogues two days in a row, while children and adults are dressed up in costumes (a Jewish Halloween). Since then, there were others who wanted to destroy the Jews for various reasons.
Germans during WWII managed to kill six million. The latest attempt was by Hamas and other Iran’s Islamists proxies. As we have learned from history, there is only one way to preserve Jewish lives and to protect Israel — by destroying the enemy. History never stops to repeat itself, and there is always happy ending, which needs to be celebrated, as the three images accompanying this story are attesting.
To celebrate Purim, Jews around the world engage in various customs and traditions, including:
- Reading the Megillah: The story of Esther is read aloud in synagogues, often with costumes and noise-makers to drown out the name of Haman.
- Mishloach Manot: Exchanging gifts of food and drink with friends and family.
- Matanot La-Evyonim: Giving charity to the poor.
- Se’udat Purim: Enjoying a festive meal with wine and other beverages.
- Costumes and Masks: Dressing up in costumes and masks to add to the festive atmosphere.
Purim is indeed a joyous holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the resilience of the Jewish people. It’s a time to Care and Share with others and commemorate the happy ending of the story of Esther.