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Essential Judaism is a brief but comprehensive layman's handbook to Jewish prayer, worship, festivals, customs, history, language, philosophy, and ideology. |
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The Jewish holiday of Purim follows the biblical story of Esther (see book of Esther in the Bible). This holiday is a celebration of the liberty granted to the Jews by King Ahasuerus and the condemnation of internal conspirators Mordecai and Haman. It has been recognized as a symbol of humble deliverance from strong religious oppressors.
Today it is a celebration of happiness, relaxation, and even frivolity. Celebrants participate in practice jokes, masquerades, and pageantry. Sometimes the burning of Haman's effigy is practiced too. Some Jewish congregations have "Esther" readings where every mention of Haman is mocked with noisemakers and feet stomping. |
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