Purim

Purim is a Jewish holiday that marks the saving of the Jews from Haman of the Persian empire, who was planning on persecuting the Jewish people. The Book of Esther tells the Purim narrative, and is customarily read in synagogues on the day of the holiday. The holiday takes place on the 14th day of Adar. During Purim, it is customary to dress up, exchange gifts of food and drink known as "mishloach manot," donate to charity, and eat a celebratory meal known as "sudat purim."

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Is Israeli society at the fifth stage of grief?

The past debate on public celebrations – either on Purim or Independence Day – suggests we might move to the fifth stage, acceptance.

By GADI EZRA
04/04/2024

Jewish unity is the silver lining of the Israel-Hamas War

Unifying the Jewish people, fighting for a brighter future, and saving humanity (by fighting terror) may still be the silver lining coming out of Hamas’s insanity.

03/04/2024

Grapevine: On parade

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Prince William and Princess Kate attend the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, 2023

Everyone wears a mask year-round. Their real selves appear on Purim

May the world soon come to its senses and understand that what they see is not always what is real, and may Israel finally be seen as the angel and not the devil.

By HADASSAH CHEN
31/03/2024

Sex isn't merely physical, it can also be a redemptive act

They wanted to kill us. A woman said, “No way!” and with the innate understanding of the physical and spiritual power of sexuality, she turned the story around.

By YONINA RUBINSTEIN
30/03/2024

Lessons from the war: keep your list of problems short

Learn to differentiate between Passover and spring cleaning. Not every problem has to also be tedious.

29/03/2024

The debate over Purim costumes prompts reflection about war

The debate surrounding children’s costumes extends beyond Purim celebrations to broader societal issues, such as the role of the soldier and the exemption of yeshiva students from IDF service.

By JONATHAN LIEBERMAN
29/03/2024

Wartime Purim unity bridges secular-religious divides

Kesher Yehudi hosts unlikely encounter between haredi and secular Israeli families amid hostage crisis.

By TANIA SHALOM MICHAELIAN
29/03/2024

Grapevine March 27, 2024: When the nose knows

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

What we can learn from Purim and Passover in our ever-complicated reality

As the seasons change and we move from Purim to Passover, we must cleanse our battered souls and, for so many, battle-scarred memories too.

27/03/2024
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