The Museum of
Shabbat and the Jewish Holidays
Esther Scroll (Megillah). Bezalel School, Jerusalem.
1927. Maker: Ze’ev Raban (1890-1970).
Case: applied and cast silver.
Scroll: watercolor and ink on parchment.
B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum, gift of Joseph B. and Olyn Horwitz.
The Festival of Lots
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire from Haman's plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther (Megillat Esther.) According to the story, Haman casts lots to determine the day upon which to exterminate the Jews.
Purim is celebrated annually according to the Hebrew calendar on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (Adar II in leap years), the day following the victory of the Jews over their enemies. As with all Jewish holidays, Purim begins at sundown on the previous secular day./
Purim is characterized by
the public recitation of the Book of Esther, giving mutual gifts of food
and drink, giving charity to the poor, and a celebratory meal. Other
customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public
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