PURIM

Tomorrow is the Jewish holiday of Purim and the celebration begins at sundown tonight. It marks the deliverance of the Jews of the ancient Persian empire from a plot to annihilate them. According to the Old Testament Book of Esther, an evil aide to the Persian monarch named Haman tried to convince the King to have every Jew in the land killed. Queen Esther opened the King's eyes to the plot and saved her people.


The day is celebrated by listening to readings in the synagogue from the Book of Esther. Traditionally, loud noisemakers are used whenever Haman's name is mentioned to blot out the evil that is associated with it. Jews are also supposed to give alms to the poor, send food to their friends and have a feast with their family.