Purim: March 8
Purim is a public holiday in Israel.
Purim or Feast of Lots is a three-day festival in Israel celebrating the deliverance of the Jews from planned mass extermination by Haman, or Haman the Agagite, a high-ranking political minister of the Persian Empire. And as with all other public celebrations in Israel, Purim based itself in the Bible. Haman was extensively and generously described in the Book of Esther.
Israelites consider this day as one of the most important holidays in the country. The observance of Purim reminds each citizen about the victory and blessing for having been spared of the wrath and destructive plans of Haman against the Jews.
History of Israel Purim
The history of Purim is recorded in the Book of Esther, one of Old Testament’s (Hebrew Bible) books. The recordings in the book formed the basis of the celebration of Israel’s Purim and a living testament to the love of God according to the Jews.
Haman, a Persian nobleman, was described in the Book of Esther as the plotter to the total annihilation scheme of the Jews. His plan was later revealed by his wife and queen, Esther (Queen of Persia), as described in the book. The revelation allowed the Jews to prepare and plan for the destruction of their enemies instead.
The ruthless Haman was the Persian nobility during the time when the Jews were held in captivity during the reign of the Persian Empire in Babylonia. This captivity, popularly known as Babylonian captivity, clearly describes Jews’ exile from their homeland to Babylon.
Esther’s disapproved Haman’s plot to exterminate the Jews and requested the King of Babylon to allow the Jews to defend themselves. It was a bold move on Esther’s part as she was made aware of the possible consequence of her own action. The Fast of Esther describes how he notified the Jews of this impending danger and how she fast for the purpose of saving the Jews from Haman’s wrath.
Esther required the Jews to celebrate the merriment celebration of the occasion and to perform charity to the less fortunate (Esther 9:22,28).
Israel Purim: Traditions, Customs and Activities
Purim is considered as a national holiday in Israel. Although it is a public holiday, government and private offices still operate aside from other areas that were restricted from doing so during the celebration. Prayers are read called Al ha-Nissim (For the Miracles) three times within the day at specific time usually in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Book of Esther required all Jews to feast during the occasion. Celebration within the house of worship such as the Jewish synagogue is allowed during that time including lambasting the name of Haman verbally or in action, a practice dates back to the medieval times.
A certain degree of boisterousness is also allowed during the celebration some of which includes stamping of the feet when Haman’s name is mentioned including widespread hissing and rattling. Some would even write Haman’s name on a piece of paper and put them on the soles of their foot as a sign of disrespect.
Jews celebrate the festival cheerfully by allowing children to dress up and play characters involved in Purim where most saunter the streets with masks. They sometimes join in parades or parties in carnival mood. During this occasion, people are allowed to drink, indulge in food, and conduct public performances including street concerts, parties both public and private. To add to the festive mood, a noisemaker or Purim gragger called ‘ra’ashan’ by some Jews is spun whenever people mention Haman’s name on the street.
Over the years, performing any form of charity and gift giving has also popular in some families. The holiday is likened to that of Halloween in the US. For tourists, this is the best time to visit Israel and take part in a festive mood. Make sure that you book months before as hotel room prices skyrocket during the actual celebration.
