Chag Purim

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Today is a holiday.  The second day of Purim (“Lots”).  My family has always celebrated Shushan Purim, the name for the second day; most Ashkenazi Jews only celebrate it, if they live in walled cities like Jerusalem or Quebec.)  The Purim holiday celebrates the ploys of Esther (also known as Hadassah), the Jewish Queen of Babylonia,  and her uncle (godfather?) Mordechai.

Purim
Purim (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Interestingly, the names of most of the Babylonian characters in this story are akin to those of the various Babylonian gods.  From Vashti to Haman to Teresh, all are variants of Babylonian gods and goddesses. And, this is the only book in the Tanach that has no mention of Hashem.  Oh, the effect of the Supreme Being is clearly felt- but never directly mentioned in the text.

And, this is among the most bawdy – and most violent- of the books in the Tanach.  Vashti refuses to perform nude for her husband, King Achashverosh (you know him as Xerxes), and the officers of the court.  A beauty contest (Miss Persia?) is held to choose her replacement- which is how Esther becomes queen.

Achashverosh was willing to off a good portion of his kingdom’s residents for the right price.  A price which Haman (his Prime Minister) was more than willing to provide.  Haman’s unstated goal (to Achashverosh) was to get rid of his nemesis, Mordechai- along with every other Jew in the kingdom.

So, Haman gets his wish, and determines (via a lottery) that all the Jews shall be slaughtered on the full moon of the month of Adar.  The edict is spread to the 127 provinces of the realm- from Europe to India.  Haman also has a special surprise for Mordechai- the tallest gallows he could construct.

But,  Achashverosh is willing to provide anything (even “half his kingdom”) to Esther, if she will service his needs.  (You do note he extends his “golden sceptre” to her often…)  And, when it becomes clear to him that Esther is a Jew, plus he also spies Haman on Esther’s bed (out of context, but not a lucky thing for Haman), Achashverosh allows the Jews of the kingdom to retaliate and kill their opponents on that same appointed time.

Maybe that’s why it’s a commandment to drink enough to be unable to discern the difference between the hero (Mordechai) and the villain (Haman).  And, since most of us include our  children in this tradition, the practice serves as a deterrent to excess drinking as the children grow and mature; they remember the experience with far less than fondness…

Happy Purim…

Purim day, Purim day, What a joyous holiday…

Masks to wear, Sweets to eat, Songs and dances to perform…

Let’s make a racket, “rash, rash, rash”…with our graggers swinging.

 

(It’s also St. Patrick’s Day, and the birthday of my grandson Eli and my long-time associate, Sam.  Woo Hoo!)

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12 thoughts on “Chag Purim”

  1. What a very interesting story. As soon as I saw the title on the fb page I knew I was in for an treat. Thanks for sharing something I’d never otherwise know about! And it sounds like you have several other reasons to celebrate today!
    Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..CROCK POT CUBE STEAK

  2. I have heard of St. Patrick’s Day, but I have not heard of Purim Day or the sordid story behind it. It sounds like a play that could have been written by Shakespeare. I wish you and yours a Happy Purim Day!

    1. Given that our religion is not generally prone to permit such excess, besides the celebratory nature, it is probably intent to serve as a reminder (given the inevitable day after affects) that excess is not something to be permitted or to be repeated), Muriel/

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