There were many customers last Friday afternoon at Tel Aviv’s Cafe Apropos, including children dressed in Purim costumes, when the young man carrying a duffel bag weaved his way among the tables. Eyewitnesses later said that the man seemed strange as he looked for an empty table, finally choosing one in the center of the… More ▸
Kabbalists have long compared Purim to Yom (Ha)Kippurim — the Day of Atonement/Repentance. (Note the Hebrew pun — Yom Ki-purim, a day like Purim.) This year, American Jewish leadership should apply this idea literally. They should use the occasion to declare mea culpa and apologize to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli electorate. What… More ▸
Here are some ideas to get the family ready for this festive day. Shalach Manos Cups Supplies: 3 1/2-inch white, hard, plastic birthday cups, available at party supply stores paint markers in various colors pencil roll of cellophane paper or netting fabric ribbon With a pencil, sketch the words “Happy Purim” around the cup. Draw… More ▸
The invitation to the Purim party is explicit: “Preferable: Come in costume. Acceptable: Masquerade in a mask. Minimally admissible: Bring a bonnet.” Does one grumble and groan, and finally leave the house in street clothes? Does one rush to pull together a clever and exciting costume, an expression of some inner urge? Does one dutifully… More ▸
Purim, a favorite holiday for many, is characterized by parties, carnivals, costumes, singing, dancing and as with all holidays, special foods. Celebrated just one month before Passover, it is a good opportunity to use up flour and leavening agents in the preparation of some of these special dishes. And at this time of feasting and… More ▸
Many Israeli schoolchildren will remember 1996 as the year without Purim. In deference to the victims of this week’s suicide bombings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, schools and synagogues canceled their annual Purim spiels and parties. Usually brimming with little Queen Esthers, Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles, downtown Jerusalem this year was nearly devoid of… More ▸
The timing of Monday’s suicide bombing in Tel Aviv could not have been more striking. It was the day before Purim, the Jewish calendar’s most passionately joyous holiday, when for the fourth time in nine days a Palestinian suicide bomber aligned with the fundamentalist Hamas destroyed the lives of innocents. There are remarkable parallels between… More ▸
Israel was still mourning its dead from the attack on a Jerusalem bus when a blast in Tel Aviv a day later sent shock waves across the nation. Jerusalem had been the target of Hamas militants in an attack Sunday and two attacks last week. But Monday, it was Tel Aviv’s turn. Shortly before 4… More ▸
The holiday of Purim commemorates the time when Queen Esther saved the Jews of Persia from a plot by Haman, King Ahasuerus’ cruel minister. Purim is not a solemn day. Celebration begins is the synagogue when the story of the courageous Esther is read. Children dress up in costumes and spin noisemakers at the mention… More ▸
The holiday of Purim is the record of three great achievements in Jewish history – and of one huge mistake. At this moment, American Jewry is on the brink of a major decision which will affect its relationship with Israel. If we grasp the lesson of the holiday, it might save us from repeating an… More ▸
