Happy Purim!

I have always had a great fascination with the culture and religion of others. I studied Religion in College and considered majoring in the study. One of my most interesting classes was World Religions. Having a new insight into the Jewish faith, I love being able to open my eyes to a world I was not aware of, until now...

Today is a very joyous day in the Jewish faith. Today is Purim. "What is Purim?" you ask. No worries, I was asking myself the same thing when the boss lady had a costume of a popular action figure ordered for the redhead. I was confused seeing as it was then the end of January and last I checked the only occasion I knew of that allowed children to dress as their action heroes and receive tasty treats was Halloween, three months ago! Turns out Purim has a few similarities to Halloween, yes young children are allowed to dress up and they receive treats. The traditional festive Purim treat is called Hamentaschen, triangle shaped cookies with fruit filling.

yummy hamentschen!

The Holiday commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. The Purim holiday is preceded by a fast and is celebrated with the reading of the Book of Esther. During the reading when the name of Haman (bad guy trying to destroy the Jews) is mentioned you are allowed to hiss, stamp your feet and play loud noise makers to "blot out the name of Haman".

Costume parties, carnivals, cookies and noisemakers! No wonder Americans sometimes refer to Purim as the Jewish Mardi Gras!