March 8, 2012 - Purim

Masks! Rattles and noisemakers! Parades and carnivals! Feasting!

No, it's not Mardi Gras all over again, it's Purim!

This Jewish holiday, which began last night at sundown (Jewish holidays always start at sundown), celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the ancient Persian Empire. People give gifts of food to friends and donations to charity, and they eat a festive meal. Some people masquerade in costumes and masks, attend festive events, and use a noisy rattle called a grager--even during services in the synagogue!

Here are instructions for making a grager. (Press the little red and yellow arrows in the corners of the box to move through the multi-step directions.) And here are some instructions for making masks for Purim.

Curious to know more?

DLTK has a simple retelling of the story of Esther (on which Purim is based), some coloring pages, and a recipe for a favorite Purim treat. 

Also on this date:

International Women's Day

Pirate Anne Bonny's birthday