On Monday evening, March 2, we gathered with friends and members of our community to commemorate one of the most joyous Jewish holidays, despite the difficult geopolitical situation.

Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Adar. We began the celebration by reading Megillat Esther, or the Book of Esther (a parchment scroll), in the Kupa synagogue, describing the fate of the Jews of Susa, Haman’s intrigue, and the bravery of Esther and Mordechai. During the reading, those gathered in the synagogue tried to drown out Haman’s name by making noise, stomping, whistling, clapping, and using rattles. This custom is intended to “erase Haman’s name.”

Another custom associated with this holiday is giving small gifts to friends and neighbors, usually sweets, fruit, or wine (it is important to remember that there should always be two different gifts) and giving alms to the poor (alms on this day should be twice as much as usual). Children are chosen as messengers.

As is customary for a Purim feast, there was no shortage of good food and wine on the tables. For dessert, of course, there were hamantaschen (or “Haman’s ears” or “Haman’s pockets”), triangular cookies filled with chocolate, dried fruit, or jam.

CHAG PURIM SAMEACH!