What is Purim?
Tomorrow the Jewish celebration of Purim begins. If you are Jewish or live in an area with a large Jewish population, then you probably already know all about it. If you don't, you're probably wondering what the holiday is about. So what is Purim?
Origin
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Purim celebrations often began with reading The Book of Esther from the Torah. Every time Haman's name is said the audience makes noise by yelling and using noisemakers to blot out his name. Food and gifts are often given to charity, prayer time is held, and a meal and festive drinking are shared with family and friends. People look forward to traditional foods and deserts such as Hamentaschen (sweet pastry dough with fillings) and Kreplach (dumplings filled with meat in soup).
The most festive celebration is the carnival and masquerade. During this celebration people parade through the streets showing off the costumes they have made or purchased for Purim. These costumes are usually clown costumes or other festive costumes.
Do Purim Celebrations Only Happen in Israel?
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