Purim 2015 in Tel Aviv

We have finally reached the colorful (and inventive) festival of Purim 2015 in Sweet Tel Aviv. Aside from the sweet nosh baskets and the Osnai Haman cakes how many of you actually recall the story

( it’s been a long time since I was at school too.)

So I thought I would write a quick refresher ( including the “tasty bits”), but no dropping off, please..

The key part of the celebration is the reading of the story, the Scroll of Esther (Megillat Esther) It tells a tale about how the evil prime minister Haman, under the rule of King Avashverosh, planned to exterminate all the Jews of Persia. He pronounced a “Pur” (hence the name Purim) meaning he ‘cast a lot’, against the Jews but fortunately this was foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai. This ultimately resulted in the failure of Haman plot and saved the Persian Jews from destruction.

During the reading of the Scroll of Esther in any synagogue, each time the villain Haman’s name is mentioned the congregation will boo, hoot and shake rattles called groggers as an expression of dislike against the man ( as if you couldn’t tell..)

Did you know that the Scroll of Esther is the only biblical book in which G-d is not mentioned plus Purim once traditionally seen as a minor festival, has now been elevated to the list of major holidays due to its historical importance. Yet another story of Jewish survival against all odds

It is also traditionally to dress up as characters from the Purim story, and so many young girls become Queens at this time of year ( instead of Jewish princesses…)

However, throughout the ages, fancy dress costumes have included everything from superheroes to witches and this city has ’em all! The reason behind this is because Esther concealed her Jewish identity at the beginning of the Purim tale (doesn’t this seem familiar).

At this time of year, Tel Aviv celebrates with amazing free street parties with everyone costumed up. Huge gatherings listening to performances from renown musicians with an atmosphere of pure enjoyment. There are evening events at bars and nightspots and everywhere you go in the city, whether to the dry cleaners or the local cafe, each person gives some tribute to Purim even by adding a pair of bunny ears or a crown on their heads! Tel Aviv at its most entertaining.

To the food. As in most Jewish festivals, food plays an enormous role and Purim is no different. We are encouraged to send Mishloach Manot ( food baskets ) to our family members, friends and those in need (plus the young girls and guys in the IDF). In addition, as part of the celebration there is a festive meal Purim se’dah (meal) where

for dessert Osnai Haman or in Yiddish, hamantaschen ( Haman’s ears) are served. These are delicious little triangular cakes made with short crust dough and filled with sweet