Purim

There is never a dull moment in Jerusalem! Just when we were getting accustomed to the Christian holidays for this week, we've noticed that stores have been filled with costumes, similar to the ones we have in the US for Halloween. We've wondered why but now we know. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow a Jewish holiday, Purim, is celebrated and today from 11 - 3 PM at Safra Square.

The story of Purim told in the Book of Esther, which is traditionally read twice on Purim, once on the eve of Purim and once on the day of Purim, tells of King Ahasuerus who was convinced by his assistant, Haman, to destroy all the Jewish people in his kingdom. His new queen, Esther, and her cousin and/or husband Mordechai, collaborated to turn the fate of the Jewish people around, succeeding without one mention of God in the entire 10-chapter book.

And now . . . “They tried to kill us. We won. Let’s eat.” That is the theme of many of the Jewish holidays, and Purim is no exception, except in this case they also drink alcohol, give charity to needy people and give gifts of food to friends.

On Purim, in order to celebrate the complete turn-around of the Jews’ lot and of the hidden face of God in the story, Jewish people dress up in costumes and the adults drink alcohol which they claim will help them see the world from a "different point of view" Seriously?

In Jerusalem there are plenty of festivals and parties, some for families and children, some for those who want to go all out with their drinking, dressing up and dancing until they can no longer tell the difference between Haman (the bad guy in the story) and Mordechai (the good guy).

This is the central Purim festival or party that takes place in Safra Square which is in between the Old City and the city center. This carnival includes Israeli television stars and beloved characters from fantasies and movies. The event includes a costume competition with prizes, a stage with an array of performances including puppet theater, clowns, a circus, creative workshops and more.
 
  Tomorrow young art students are coming to the center to paint and bring their art work to be considered for display in the art museum here for the next 3 months. They range in age from 15 to 18 and we are excited to meet them. We have been told they are bringing Purim gift bags to exchange. I am hoping to share photos of the students and their art in another post before we leave for Galilee on Saturday. When informed about the visit of the young art students, I thought immediately of our talented granddaughter, Claire, because she is obviously very talented also and I wish I had the opportunity to display one of her drawings such as this. Photo: Artwork by granddaughter, Claire, at age 5.