Purim, which literally means “lots,” and is a spring holiday which commemorates when the Jewish heroine Esther saved her people from persecution in the ancient Persian Empire.
Purim is the most raucous holiday on the Jewish calendar. Dressing in costume is an observance that is done by all from the very young to the very old. Everyone has a go at disguising their identity just as Esther hid that she was Jewish. Other traditions include listening the story of Esther, giving gifts to the needy called matanot l’evyonim sending mishloach manot which are packages of treats and goodies sent to friends and family and the Purim Spiel, a humorous show about the story of Purim story.
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