B’nai Israel’s Purim play and carnival set for this Sunday

Tue, 03/11/2008 - 2:27pm
By: The Citizen

Congregation B’nai Israel will have a Purim play and carnival March 16. There will be a children and adult play at 12:30 p.m. followed by a carnival with food and games and a silent auction. The play and admission to the carnival are free with a minimal cost for food and games.

Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrating the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to annihilate them. After the destruction of Solomon’s temple and the Kingdom of Judah, the Jewish people were taken into 70 years of Babylonian captivity. Ancient Persia took control eventually and Haman, the royal vizier to King Ahaseurus, planned to annihilate the jews but his plans were foiled by Mordechai and Esther.

During Purim, Jews listen to the reading of the Book of Esther in Synagogue and make noise with “groggers” (noisemakers), whistles, drums or other loud objects when Haman’s name is mentioned.

Giving Tzedakah, which are gifts to the poor, and sending out gifts of food are common practices during Purim.Eating festive meals and special pastries called Hamentaschen, “Haman’s ears,” are part of the fun, as well as the tradition of drinking wine to the point of “not knowing the difference between the phrases ‘cursed is Haman’and ‘blessed is Mordechai.’”

Wearing masks and costumes also is customary.

B’nai Israel is at 1633 Ga. Hwy. 54 E., Fayetteville. For information, call 678-817-7162.

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