A history of a holiday.

After destruction of the First Temple of Jews has scattered worldwide. The most part of people appeared in Persia which influence was distributed at that time to huge territories. Many Jews occupied the important and honourable posts in the Persian empire.

Once the Persian tsar Ahashverosh has decided suit a grandiose feast to which has invited notable dignitaries, rich and influential people. Drunk fun proceeded until Ahashverosh has not quarrelled with wife Vashti who has dared publicly to disobey the husband. Laws of that time were severe, and visitors have poured oil on the flame: if the imperial wife so conducts itself, what example she submits to other women? Tsar was very angry and has ordered to execute Vashti. Happened so, that from many pretenders to her place favour of tsar has got Jewish girl - orphan, beauty Ester which has grown in the house of cousin Mordechai - the chapter{head} of the Jewish community of Persia.

After that Ahashverosh has appointed nearest adviser Aman to whom everyone who met him on road bowed up to the ground. Everything, except for Mordechai Jewish wise man who did not consider it necessary to render to Aman such honour. Angry Aman has decided to revenge the rebellious Jew and all to his people. He managed to convince Ahashverosh to issue the decree ordering in one day to destroy all Jews - men and women, children and old men. To choose day suitable to execution, Aman has thrown a lot ("poor") and has appointed execution of a verdict to the thirteenth day of Adar. Tsarina Ester to whom Mordechai has informed about the terrible decree has rescued people from destruction. Being without the invitation to Tzar, and,thus, having subjected itself of death danger, Ester has told to Ahashverosh, that she is a Jew and will soon be lost together with shes people. The events which have followed behind this recognition have resulted in a result to that tsar has cancelled the former decree. Villain Aman has been hung up, and Mordechai - is approached to Ahashverosh.

 

Laws of a holiday

Taanit Ester. The day previous to holiday Purim, is day of a post. It is established in memory that Jews of Persia on Mordechai appeal had a post and asked Supreme about disposal of the hung threat.

Reading Megilat Ester. All history of miracle Purim is written down in Megalit Ester. This roll is read during a holiday twice - in the evening and in the morning. Everyone is obliged to listen attentively to the reader, not missing any word.

Gifts poor. In Purim it is accepted to give more, than usually, money on tsdaka (the charitable purposes). To execute a precept, it is necessary to give some sum even to two requiring, but try to help as it is possible for the greater number of people.

Mishloah manot (a sending of viands). Send each other an entertainment. It should consist not less than of two ready dishes sent to one person.

Celebratory meal. Arrange a cheerful feast to which invite relatives and friends. It is accepted to drink a lot of fault and to have fun. Wine - on Purim plays the most important role. This day the Jew should get drunk so that to not distinguish a difference between words " blessed Mordechai " and " damned Aman " (Ester the fault on a banquet on which Aman has been exposed submitted huge amount).

Blessed In Israel on Purim it is accepted to dress up in fancy dresses, hats, wigs, to go on streets with crackers, rubber hammers for beet passers-by on a head during celebratory times, to pour each other multi-coloured foam, to arrange fireworks and cheerful celebratory representations "Purim-Shpili" on a plot of the history underlying a holiday. In newspapers there are draws and the mystifications reminding April Fools' jokes.

 

Traditions of a holiday

RATTLES. During reading Ester Roll each time when say a name of villain Aman, it is necessary to knock loudly rattles and to stamp foots.

FANCY DRESSES. When there was miracle Purim, and to Jews the right to be protected and revenge has been given to the enemies, inhabitants of the Persian empire terribly were frightened of their revenge, and many of them have changed clothes to seem Jews. Therefore on Purim it is accepted to dress up in fancy dresses. The especial pleasure delivers it to children.

" AMAN'S EARS ". Traditional Purim dish - triangular pies with a stuffing which name " Aman's ears " in memory of disposal of his intrigues.