Most of my readers who are not Jewish won't understand much about the holiday of Purim that begins at sundown tonight. Likewise, most Jews would not understand about the meaning of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday or Easter other than to know that it deals with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the resurrection that is core to the central belief of Christianity. Purim is a fun holiday that commemorates the redemption of the Persian Jews about 500 years before the time of Jesus. Most everyone recognizes that the execution of Jesus that is remembered on Good Friday is a most somber event, while Easter, two days later, is celebrated as a joyous time. Purim is not unlike Mardi Gras, originally linked to the Christian observance of Lent leading up to Holy Week. Purim participants read from a special Hebrew scroll called a Megillah and are encouraged to wear costumes and to make noise, while adults are allowed to drink alcohol freely throughout the day (woo hoo!). Jews eat three-cornered pastries (like a triangle) filled with poppy-seed or fruits that are called hamantaschen. They are delicious, but they hardly compare to Heavenly Hash or a solid chocolate bunny rabbit. So, not matter what your observance, enjoy your holidays. I wish you all a meaningful and fun time with family and friends.
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