Jews are noted for humor, but was the biblical book of Esther written as a comedy? True, it provides the basis for Judaism's most lighthearted festival, Purim. But could an ancient holocaust plan to ...

(RNS) — The festival of fun and frivolity has been harder for some Jews to celebrate in the wake of the destruction of Gaza. (RNS) — The Jewish holiday of Purim is traditionally a wild and woolly ...

Purim is widely depicted as the most thoroughly joyful of Jewish holidays — highlighted by celebrations that include costumes, skits, noisemakers and varying degrees of rowdiness. It celebrates the ...

The Jewish carnival holiday of Purim, marking the story of the Book of Esther, carries special resonance this year. A look at the celebration in wartime Israel. Today in Jerusalem, a festive parade ...

In the Purim story, a Jew hides in plain sight among gentiles until the time is right for a big, momentous reveal that, in a miracle of history, saves our people. In late December, when I went to see ...

Purim is a Jewish holiday that falls in February or March. While it's known as the holiday when Jewish people dress in costumes, there's more to it than that. Here's a brief lesson on what Purim is ...

Who needs Halloween or Mardi Gras? On Purim, the masquerade of characters is lively and intriguing: Spangled Vashtis, bearded Mordecais, snarling Hamans, bejeweled Esthers, silk-robed Ahasueruses. The ...

1. Purim is a Jewish national liberation holiday – just like Passover and Chanukah – which highlights optimism, commemorating the transformation of the Jewish people from subjugation to liberty. It is ...

Planning a costume party for Purim? Don’t dawdle: Purim 2023 begins at sundown on Monday, March 6, and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, March 7. The Book of Esther will be read twice during Purim, once ...