| We once heard that all Jewish holidays could be summed up as follows: "they tried to kill us, we won, lets eat." This might be a bit of an exaggeration, but Purim, also known as the Feast of Esther, definitely fits this category. The evil Haman tried to have the Jews exterminated only to have his plot turned on its head by the beautiful young queen--who just happened to secretly be a Jew. We celebrate by dressing in costumes, hearing a reading of the story of Esther (rowdy boos when Haman is mentioned and cheers for Esther), getting drunk, and by eating foods that represent Haman. It is also customary to exchange gifts on Purim. | |
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Wendy made a kangaroo costume for her and Isaac. It got a lot of smiles, including one little boy who told his mother he wanted a kangaroo suit. Isaac tolerated being in the "pouch" surprisingly well.
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 In the synagogue waiting to hear the megillah (story of Esther).
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Our rabbi was described recently in a national Jewish publication as "a diminutive cheeky bald man who more resembles a yogic healer." Here he is in cowboy costume reading the megillah at the front of the synagogue. |
 Isaac chews on a grogger--a noise maker used when Haman's name is read. Isaac, who hates applause and other sudden sounds, seemed to enjoy the hullabaloo surrounding the megillah reading. |
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