Celebrating Purim--The "Jewish Halloween"

Good afternoon . . . sorry I was MIA yesterday. I was busy with many things and didn't have a chance to write a post. 

At sundown tonight, the holiday of Purim begins. Although this is a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, it is also one of the most joyous and most fun occasions. 

The story of Purim is told in the Book of Esther and is set in Persia (present-day Iran). The book of Esther is unusual because it is the only one that does not mention G-d. King Ahasuerus held a seven-day banquet and order his wife Vashti to dance naked before his guests. Because of a skin condition, she refused. Vashti was banished and executed as a result. Ahauerus held a pageant to choose a new Queen. Esther, a beautiful young Jewish woman, encouraged by her cousin Mordecai, entered the competition and won. However, she did not reveal to Ahauerus that she was Jewish.

The villain of our story is the king's evil prime minister, Haman, who walked through the streets and demanded that all bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow down to him because Jews only bowed to the almighty. On the 13th day of Adar, Haman decided to exterminate all the Jews, beginning with Mordecai. He persuaded the king to carry out the plan. 

The Megillah

Mordecai then urged Esther to speak to the king on behalf of their people. She risked her life because anyone who went to the king without being summoned was put to death. Esther fasted for three days went to the king, who welcomed her. She confessed that she was Jewish and told the king of Haman's plot against her people. The Jews fought back and killed their enemies, and Haman was hanged. 

The Grogger (Noisemaker)

Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, the day after Haman attempted to carry out his plan for the extermination of the Jews. The word Purim means "lots," and refers to the lottery that Haman used to choose as the day for the massacre. The holiday is preceded by the Fast of Esther, which commemorates Esther's three days of fasting before meeting the king.

Tonight, Jews from around the world will be heading to synagogue to hear the megillah (the Book of Esther), which is the scroll that tells the story of Purim. The megillah is read twice in public, once tonight, and again during the day. Every time Haman's name is mentioned, members of the congregation twirl their groggers (noisemakers), stamp their feet, or boo out loud to eradicate his named. Many children (and adults too), attend synagogue costume. which is a reference to G-d's hand in the Purim miracle. This is also a holiday when we give to those less fortunate in keeping wit hthe them of Jewish unity. We also send food baskets to friends. This is known as misholach minot.

Hamentashen

Finally, Purim is a day to gather your loved ones and enjoy a traditional feast. Among the special foods is a pastry called hamentashen. The pastry symbolizes Haman, the defeated enemy, and resembles the three corners of his hat. Hamentashen are made with many different fillings such as the traditional poppy seed, prunes, nuts, dates, apricots, raspberries, apple, cherry, and chocolate.


In certain ancient cities--such as Jerusalem--Purim is celebrated on the 15th day of Adar. This is to commemorate the battles in the ancient city of Shushan, where the battles extended for an additional day. The 15th of Adar is called "Shushan Purim."

To those who celebrate, we wish you a very happy holiday!

Now it's time for today's lists:

Women's History Month Fun Fact of the Day: Did you know that until 1974, single women could not have a credit card to her name? They were often required to bring a man to co-sign when applying for a card. In 1974, Congress passed the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which made it illegal to discriminate against someone based on gender, race, religion or country of origin. Women now account for 85% of all consumer purchases!

Today's Birthdays: Andrea Bowen (25), Margo Harshman (29), Jason Sellers (44), Patsy Kensit (47), Evan Dando), Grand Puba (49), Jason Newsted (42), Steven Weber (54), Patricia Heaton (57), Mykelti Wiliamson (58), Catherine O'Hara (61), Emilio Estefan (62), Kay Lenz (62), Chris Rea (64), Shakin' Stevens (67), and Chris Squire (67).

Holidaze: It's National Grammar Day! I am a stickler for proper grammar and I cringe when someone uses it incorrectly. Martha Brockenbrough, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, (aka Grammar Girl) established this holiday in 2008. Navigate the official holiday website (linked above) for a list of fun things to do during this week.

Today is also Hug a G.I. Day, which is set aside for the military heroes who have risked their lives. The initial G.I. means "galvanized iron," a logistics term used by the armed forces.

Finally, today's foodie Holidaze is National Pound Cake Day. A traditional pound cake recipe calls for a pound each of butter, flour, eggs, and sugar. That's a lot of cake! 

For those in the New York area, enjoy today's mild weather (45 degrees!) while it lasts, because Old Man Winter makes another return tomorrow. No more after this, please!

Have a PRINTASTIC Day!

Kathy