Starting this evening and leading into tomorrow, Jewish communities around the world are celebrating Purim. Purim is the happiest day on the Jewish calendar and commemorates the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th Century, were marked for death by their Persian rulers. They were saved by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther. (Book of Esther)
Purim is celebrated among Jews by:
Exchanging gifts of food and drink known as mishloach manot
Donating charity to the poor – mattanot la-evyonim
Eating a celebratory meal known as se’udat Purim
Public recitation of the scroll of Ester.
Perhaps we could all take something from this special celebration and do something nice that brings joy to our lives.
OLS Interfaith and Cultural Group
