By DAVID CRARY (Associated Press)
Purim It is widely seen as the most joyful of Jewish holidays, with celebrations featuring costumes, skits, noisemakers, and various levels of rowdiness.
This holiday commemorates the biblical story of how a plot to exterminate Jews in Persia was foiled, symbolizing Jewish survival throughout history. This year, its significance is heightened by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. war in Gaza The war was triggered by the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, resulting in 1,200 deaths and about 250 hostages taken. The United States, Canada, and the European Union have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.
WHEN IS PURIM?
Purim falls on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, beginning on Saturday night and continuing through Sunday. In most of Jerusalem, the holiday is celebrated one day later, from Sunday evening until Monday.
WHAT’S THE STORY THAT INSPIRED PURIM?
According to the Union for Reform Judaism, Purim celebrates the biblical account of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai thwarting a plot by the king’s adviser, Haman, to exterminate the Jews of Persia. The public reading of the Book of Esther in synagogues is a joyous and rowdy affair, marked by booing and noisemaking when Haman’s name is mentioned.
Over time, Haman has become a symbol of all anti-Semites in lands where Jews faced oppression. The significance of Purim lies not only in its origin, but also in its joyful celebration of Jewish survival.
WHAT’S UP WITH COSTUMES THIS YEAR?
In light of the war with Hamas, Israel’s Education Ministry cautioned students against wearing costumes that may induce fear, panic, or harm. This includes costumes portraying Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza.
Leading up to the holiday, Israeli police have confiscated numerous realistic toy guns and grenades as part of 'Operation Dangerous Toys.'
In response to the war in Gaza, many cities in Israel have called off traditional Purim parades.
SOMETIMES A DARK SIDE TO THE HOLIDAY
Similar to holidays of other religions, Purim has at times been associated with high-profile acts of violence.
On Purim in 1994, Baruch Goldstein, an American Israeli settler, tragically killed 29 Palestinian Muslims at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron.