Purim in Jerusalem

Purim is one of the most joyous and raucous holidays in the Jewish calendar. It's a normally a day-long celebration but in walled (or once-walled) cities, like Jerusalem, it actually takes place the day after the rest of the world, so in Israel it's a two-day celebration. Every holiday so far people have told me how great it is to be in Israel, specifically Jerusalem. But I think this has actually been exceptional. It's sort of like Halloween, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day all in one.

There are a few things that, according to Jewish law, one is required to do at Purim. These include hearing the Book of Esther, giving gifts to a friend or friends and to the poor, having a meal on the day of Purim, and getting so drunk you can't tell the difference between good and evil. I'll say that I didn't complete the final one, but I did enjoy the attempt. There are also a variety of customs that are not as popular, or are slightly more out-of-place, in the States, the most well known being the custom to wear costumes. I was a fairy. It seemed appropriate considering the company I tend to keep.

I think what stood out in particular with Purim (as opposed to other holidays that I've celebrated here) in particular in Jerusalem (as opposed to in the States) is that I never really understood what Purim was supposed to be like before. Both in childhood and adulthood it seemed to be a kids' holiday. I guess because it's supposed to be fun and your supposed to dress up, and those are kid things to do? This year I (between megillah readings) went to an all-night party and to three Purim meal open-houses on Purim day. It was a great answer to not really celebrating New Year's, and it was most-definitely not just a kids' holiday. (Although I did have an awesome time painting the faces of all my teacher's daughters with purple eyeliner.)

Unfortunately, I also think it's something that comes with being in a large community who all celebrate in a similar way, which is nearly impossible in the States. And it's this kind of issue of community and practice that I (and a lot of the people with whom I'm learning) am going to struggle with when I return to the States.