PURIM

Esther

Even as a teenager, I was deeply impressed by Esther. One day, while dusting, I picked up the Bible and read parts of her story. She was probably not much older than I was when she appeared with such courage and determination.

Orphaned. Destitute. A stranger in a foreign land.

Her tutor and guardian entered her into the search for “a queen for Ahasverus.” She herself did not have the courage to do so.

Esther had already lost everything before she came to live with her uncle, who became her guardian.

She lost everything once again when she was chosen to live at the spa at the king’s court.

For an entire year she spent day after day in what we might call a spa, pampered and cared for so that her beauty could fully blossom. She was probably envied and excluded. Most likely, she could trust no one. She lived in the king’s harem alongside many other women who also hoped to become queen.

There was one person who looked upon her with favor: the keeper of the harem. He preferred her because she possessed not only outward beauty but also a beautiful heart.

To the king, she was not merely a date, nor just a one-night encounter. He chose her and elevated her to the position of queen. God ensured that she was raised to a place where she would be able to save her people. She carried a great responsibility.

A court official named Haman devised a conspiracy. He planned to murder all the Jews in the Persian Empire on a single day. His goal was to wipe out an entire people.

But God saw behind the scenes, directly into people’s hearts—including Haman’s heart—and put a stop to his plans.

God was looking for a young woman to take part in His rescue mission.

He found Esther, who was willing to stand in the gap and enter the lion’s den.

She did not know what awaited her. I deeply respect her courage. Surely she was afraid. She risked her life.

Through wise diplomacy, her intercession before the king, and God’s grace, she brought down the powerful minister and secured the right for the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. The Jews succeeded in defeating those who sought their destruction.

Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jews of Persia.

Purim stands for the courage to embrace one’s identity. It is a reminder not to be crushed by fear or oppression, even when life and freedom are under threat.

It is a very joyful celebration.

Important Purim Traditions are:

The Fast of Esther

Before taking action, Esther called all the Jews to join her in a three-day fast. She herself participated in it. For this reason, a day of fasting is observed before the actual celebration.

The Reading of the Esther Scroll

The public reading of the Book of Esther, known as the Megillah, is an important part of the celebration. Every time Haman’s name is mentioned, people make noise to drown it out.

Joyful Celebration

The Book of Esther describes how the day was celebrated with feasting and how the poor were given generous gifts of food. The same spirit continues today.

Although Purim is a regular working day, it is nevertheless marked by joyful dancing, singing, noise-making, abundant food, and plenty to drink. In the Book of Esther, the victory feast is described as a drinking banquet; therefore, tradition even permits people to become intoxicated on this day.

Costumes

In many regions, children dress up in costumes. They enjoy reenacting Esther’s dramatic story as well as other stories from the Old Testament.

Symbols of the Villain Haman’s Ears:

Hamantaschen are triangular pastries made from sweet dough and filled with ingredients such as poppy seeds, fruit, raisins, almonds, sweet white cheese, or other fillings.

Kreplach are filled dough pockets. Savory versions contain meat and are served in broth, while sweet versions are filled with white cheese and sour cherries and served as dessert.

Both are popular foods that are enjoyed and often given as gifts during Purim.

Source: Central Council of Jews in Germany (Zentralrat der Juden), www.zentralratderjuden.de<(/div>