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Purim
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Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them
at the time of the ancient Persian Empire. The story is told in the Bible, in the Book of Esther.
After the first Temple was destroyed Jews living in the Holy Land were deported to Babylon
(now Iraq). When the Persians conquered Babylon the exiled Jews came under Persian rule.
The Book of Esther records events which took place during the reign of King Ahasuerus.
King Ahasuerus chose Esther as his queen, though he did not know that she was Jewish.
Haman, the villain of the story, was a royal counsellor who wanted to destroy the Jews.
When Esther's uncle Mordechai visited Esther at the palace, he refused to bow to Haman.
Haman used this as a pretext to claim that the Jews were disobeying the laws of Persia.
Haman persuaded King Ahasuerus that the Jews throughout Shusan (the Persian empire) should be killed.
Haman, being superstitious, cast lots ('purim' in the Assyrian language) to choose the
right day for the massacre. But Mordechai heard of the plot and persuaded Esther to tell the king.
The king had Haman executed and issued a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves.
On the appointed day, the Jews were ready, and were able to overpower their attackers.
The story is read in the evening and morning service on Purim from Megillat Esther
('Megillah' means scroll).
The traditional dish for Purim is Hamantashen (Haman's pockets), triangular pastries filled
with poppy seeds.
At NWSS the congregation join in, and interrupt, the service when the
story of Esther is read. Heroes are cheered, and villains jeered. Many of the congregation
dress up in costume.
Each year the children prepare a Purim Spiel (a humorous play). There is a Purim Spiel
competition between young people from Reform synagogues round the country. Each youth
group presents their play, and a prize is awarded to the best entry. NWSS won in 2007.
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Festival dates
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