The Jewish Festival of Purim, a Hebrew word which can be
translated as
”
lots
”
and refers to things happening by chance or coincidence, will be
celebrated Tuesday. It commemorates the bravery of a Jewish heroine
who risked her life to save her people.
The Jewish Festival of Purim, a Hebrew word which can be translated as “lots” and refers to things happening by chance or coincidence, will be celebrated Tuesday. It commemorates the bravery of a Jewish heroine who risked her life to save her people.
The Old Testament book of Esther tells about a gullible king of Persia who lived about 400 years B.C.E. Ahasuerus banished his first queen for disobeying him and later replaced her with Esther, a beautiful woman who, unknown to him, was Jewish.
Esther’s cousin Mordecai offended the king’s prime minister by refusing to bow to him as court protocol demanded. Haman, the prime minister, vowed to get revenge for this slight by killing Mordecai and all the Jews in the kingdom.
At Mordecai’s urging, Esther resolved to appeal to the king on behalf of her people. This put her in great danger, though, because anyone who approached the king without being summoned could be executed for this breach of etiquette.
Fortunately for Esther and her people, Ahasuerus was so pleased when she came into his presence that he forgot about punishing her for barging in and offered her a reward, “…even to half of my kingdom.” Esther begged for the king to spare the Jews from annihilation. He did, and in an episode rich in irony, Haman was hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
On Sunday afternoon, March 16, South County’s Congregation Emeth holds a traditional Megillah Reading and Purim Carnival At noon the story of Esther will be acted out from a scroll called a Megillah. Each time the name of the hated anti-Semite Haman appears, it is drowned out by the loud, enthusiastic use of noise-makers called gregors, as well boos, hisses and catcalls.
On the other hand, the listeners offer more approving noises such as cheers and applause when other characters’ names are mentioned, much like an old-fashioned melodrama. Children and adults may dress up as characters from the story and hold a costume parade. Then follows singing of ancient and modern songs relating to the tale.
At 12:30 p.m., following the Megillah Reading, will be a traditional children’s carnival sponsored by Congregation Emeth’s Youth Group. There will be many enjoyable activities keyed to the Esther theme:
• Children can participate in the following games: Queen Esther’s Lollipop Tree, Haman’s Sword Throw, Mordechai’s Hoop Toss, King Ashashuerus’s Balloon Bash.
• Themed crafts to enjoy include making a crown of jewels, Queen Vashti’s Face- Painting, and Henna art. There will also be a costume contest.
The cost for the carnival is only $5 for food and $5 for the games and crafts. All proceeds will benefit Congregation Emeth’s Youth Group.
Congregation Emeth invites South County residents to share this exuberant holiday, based on a story which contains the elements of mystery, drama and farce, dedicated to a woman who showed courage in the face of danger to save the Jewish people from destruction. For more information and directions call 847-4111.
