Purim in Israel

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What is Purim in Israel?

Purim is a major Jewish celebration commemorating the triumph of the Jews over Haman. Moreover, it is one of the most celebrated holidays in Israel, not only in the big cities, but also that it is extremely loved and celebrated in every corner of the country, including those with no religious leanings whatsoever. The celebration is about sharing, celebrating, helping your fellow man, eating delicious food and getting a little closer to religious traditions.

Purim in Israel is strongly celebrated by the entire country, from the most religious to the least practicing, as it is afestive time and is celebrated much more than its religious origins. Generally, the celebration features big street parties with carnival-like atmospheres that take place in almost every city, town and village in the country. In addition, during the evenings various clubs and discotheques extend the celebration in a somewhat more modern way.

 

 

During Purim various activities are put into practice tohelp one’s fellow man and strengthen friendship and family ties through gifts, meals and celebrations. In addition, the streets are filled with a carnival-style celebration with fun costumes, hundreds of colors, wigs, parades and carriages. Purim is a fascinating time to celebrate and fellowship with our peers.

 

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When is Purim in Israel

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Purim is traditionally celebrated on the 14th day of the month Adar of the Hebrew calendar; however, in some localities it may be celebrated on the 15th.

The Purim will take place from approximately March 16 to 17.

 

 

History of Purim in Israel

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Purim is areligious holiday commemorating the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century BC, had been the victims of a massacre by their Persian rulers, the story is told in the Biblical Book of Esther. However, the historical reality of this biblical episode has often been questioned, as the actual origins of thePurim holiday remain unknown. Despite this, the history of the entire celebration revolves around the following story:

Haman, chief minister to King Ahasuerus, maintained that Mordecai, one of the main characters in the Book of Esther of the Hebrew Bible, refused to bow to him, so he convinced the king that the Jews living under Persian rule were rebels and should be slaughtered. With the king’s consent, Haman set a date for the execution, which was to be carried out on the 13th day of the month of Adar. In this way, he had built a gallows for Mordecai.

When the rumor of the massacre reached Esther, Jewish queen of Ahasuerus and adopted daughter of Mordecai, she risked her life by appearing uninvited to the king and suggesting the preparation of a banquet which Haman would attend. During the meal she pleaded for the Jews and accused Haman of planning the annihilation of her people. Thus, the king proceeded to the palace gardens and upon his return found Haman slumped on the seat where Esther was sitting. The king interpreted Haman’s pleas for mercy as an attack on the queen, so he ordered Haman to be hanged and Mordecai to be appointed to his position.

Esther and Mordecai then obtained a royal edict that allowed the Jews throughout the empire to attack their enemies on the13th day of Adar. After a thrilling victory, they declared the following day a feast to commemorate their victory, which they called “Purim.”

 

Where is the Purim in Israel

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Purim is celebrated in the various localities of theJewish community. However, it lives with much more excitement and enthusiasm in Jerusalem, Israel.

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, which is located in the central region of the country. The city has an area of 125 square kilometers and is home to some 900,000 people.

 

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How is Purim celebrated in Israel

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The celebration of Purim features a wide range of events and activities ranging fromreligious ceremonies and of course, activities and events that promote brotherhood among residents, neighbors, friends and family members. Among the most well-known celebrations of the event are the readings of the Book of Esther, offering gifts, presents, food and money to those most in need. However, there are alsoccelebrations in the streets with costumes, parades and partying late into the night.

 

Greetings

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During the celebration of Purim, it is common to greet each other with certain phrases such as “Chag Purim Sameach“, “Purim Allegre“, “A Freilichen Purim“. All of those are used to wish happy holidays and some of them change according to the geographical area where people are located.

 

Disguises

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The costumes during Purim have diverse origins and reasons, which are related to the influence of the Roman carnival that spread in Europe. However, it is also related to the way of emulating God, who “disguised” his presence behind the natural events described in the Purim story. Thus, it is customary to see children and adults wearing simple costumes, paint, exotic costumes, wigs and other amusing garments.

Also, many of the costumes are authorized by the rabbis to prevent the costumes from containing a mix of linen and wool..

 

Burning of the effigy of Haman

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Since the 5th century the custom ofburning an effigy of Haman during Purim had begun. Showever, this activity generated some controversy from Christians, who interpreted the act as a mockery of the death of Jesus. Because of this, the activity was banned for some periods of time, but resurfaced and continued during the 20th century. The ceremony consists of burning a rag doll that resembles Haman. In some regions and neighborhoods, they simply hang it from a building.

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Celebration of Carnival

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Like many other Carnival celebrations in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, some cities and towns have the custom of holding parades and congregating in the streets to holdstreet parties. The celebration features costumes and some carriages that travel the streetss of the towns or cities.

 

Adloyada

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The name given to carnival parades during Purim is “Adloyada.” The Adloyada is a humorous procession or parade that has elements of carnivals as traditional as in any other country in the world. The parade is a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century and some cities in Israel take the tradition to another level, surpassing or equaling any other conventional carnival parade.

Some cities in Israel are particularly famous for celebrating the Purim in grand proportions.

 

Jerusalem Purim

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Purim in the nation’s capital is a colorful and fun time to celebrate with friends and family. The whole city is part of the celebrations, and there are a host of activities and events for all ages. Generally, celebrations in Jerusalem includestreet parties, live concerts, DJ performances,museum visits, workshops, activities for children and stages where people can dance and party.

 

Tel Aviv Purim

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Tel Aviv Purim is one of the largest events and featuresmusic stages, food and drink stands, giant parades and themed costumes. On some occasions, Purim in Tel Aviv has featured a turnout of thousands of people wearing zombie costumes, walking the streets in a particular way and celebrating in the street like a real horror movie.

Adloyada of Jolon

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Purim in Jolon pushes the boundaries of celebrations in Israel and indeed is the city that boasts themost impressive Purim parades in the entire nation. The event is family-friendly and features largebeautifully crafted floats, most of which featureimpressive and colorful themes. In addition, the parades includelive entertainment such as dancers, jugglers, acrobats and characters from the Book of Esther.

 

Food

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In a large majority of the Jewish population, the practice of making Hamantaschen, which are triangular pastries that simulate an ear, is widespread. These can have a variety of fillings such as plums, raisins, dates, apricots, apples and chocolate. In addition, there is also a widespread practice of eating fried pastries called fazuelos, as well as consuming seeds and nuts.

Likewise, some Jews also customarily eat Kreplach, a kind of dompling stuffed with cooked meat, chicken or liver served in soup. In addition, Hungarian and Romanian Jews are accustomed to eatArany galuska, a dessert consisting of fried dumplings and vanilla custard.

 

Religious practices

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Some more Orthodox Jewish groups have extended the tradition of studying the Torah during Purim morning to commemorate all Jews who were inspired by Mordechai to learn the holy scriptures. This custom is mainly performed by the children of the communities.

 

Gift exchange and charity

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One of the traditions that is still strongly maintained to this day is sending food and donating to the needy, taking it as an example what is prescribed in the Book of Esther as “sending portions from one man to another and gifts to the poor“.

 

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Tips for going to Purim in Israel

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If you want to celebrate Purim in Jerusalem, be sure to plan your trip in advance, make an itinerary of activities and book your accommodations in advance. Also, remember to pack comfortable clothes so you can fully enjoy your carnivals.

 

Purim events in Israel

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During Purim there are a number of events of different indoles, both religious and social. After all, the purpose of Purim is to celebrate, fellowship, help those in need and follow religious practices. In addition, there are some celebrations, ceremonies and activities that take place before the Purim and certain activities that comply with a fixed schedule.

 

Fasting

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The Fast of Esther is celebrated during the 13th of Adar and is an original part of the Purim celebration, mentioned in Esther 9:31-32. The reason given for its institution is based on the following interpretation of Esther “The 13th was the time of gathering“, which gathering is explained to have also had the purpose ofpublic prayer and fasting. Some used to fast three days in commemoration of the fast of Esther. The fast on the 13th is still practiced; but when that date falls on the Sabbath, the fast is brought forward to the preceding Thursday.

 

Reading of the Megillah

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This is the first religious ceremony performed during Purim. Originally, this ceremony was only to be observed onthe 14th of Adar; however, it was prescribed that the Meguilah was also to be read on Purim eve. In addition, women were obligated to attend the reading of the Megillah, due to the fact that women played an important role in the miracle of the liberation of the Jews.

The Megillah is read with a cantillation; however, in some verses it is read in a different way. Also, in some regions it is not read in this way, but features a traditional letter reading. Traditionally, the reading has three stages: blessings before the reading, blessing and recitations during the reading and finally, the last recitations are performed.

The second reading is recited in the evening.

 

 

Gift Food and Charity

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During the ceremony, each adult is instructed to give at least two different food items to one person and at least two charitable donations to two poor people. The food packages are traditionally referred to as mishloach manot and in some social circles the custom has evolved into a big donation event.

To fulfill charity to the poor, one may give eitherfood or money equivalent to a regular meal. In the synagogues regular charity collections are made at the festival and the money is distributed among the needy. No distinction is made among the poor, as anyone who is willing to accept charity can participate. In this way, even the poorest Jew must help other poor people.

 

Festive foods and drinks

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On the day of Purim, a festive meal called Se’udat Purim is held. Fasting for non-medical reasons is prohibited during Purim. In addition, there are some customs of drinking wine during the holiday to no end.

Alcoholic consumption was regulated by the authorities. Although some religious representatives advocated total intoxication, others indicated that one should only drink a little more than usual and then go to sleep.

 

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What to eat on Purim in Israel

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During celebrations on Purim, people consume various foods that are part of the tradition. These generally comprise sweet foods, baked goods and jams. However, the custom of consuming alcoholic beverages both in moderation and in abundance has also expanded.

One of the foods consumed with great joy is hamantash. The hamantash is a kind of cookie or a pocket or envelope of flour dough that can be filled with an infinite number of incredients, creams or jams, the most traditional being those of plum, dates and nuts. In addition, they can also come covered with poppy seeds.

In addition, you can also try some sweets known as fazuelos. The Fazuelos are made with a dough of flour and eggs, sometimes also brandy. Once all the dough is united, it is stretched to a fairly thin thickness. Then, individual pieces are cut and placed on the hot oil, turning them around so that the final product is in the shape of a roll. Once fried, they are covered with plenty of sugar.

In addition, the city of Jerusalem offers you some places where you can expand your gastronomic knowledge. Some of the most famous places are: The Eucalyptus, Machneyuda, Azura, Hummus Ben Sira and Kinor Bakikar.

 

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Travel Insurance

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From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurance. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

 

 

What to see and do inside the Purim in Israel

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If you are practically of the religion, you canbe part of the religious ceremonies that take place during the holidays to then be part of the various social celebrations that take place on the holidays. Purim you can consider it as a traditional carnival, you can party, eat and watch the parades and processions that take place in the streets. In addition, you can spend time with your friends and family or simplycontribute to the cause and help the less needy and give gifts.

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What to see and do outside of Purim in Israel

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Some of the tourist attractions you can see in the city of Jerusalem are:

Wailing Wall

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It is a historical monument and holy place for Judaism. It is a must-see for Jews and non-Jews alike. Thousands of people come to pray and perform cleansing ceremonies.

 

Israel Museum

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It is a museum that was founded in 1965. Within its facilities you can find a large number of sculptures, paintings, artifacts, religious writings and manuscripts.

 

Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial

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It is a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and serves as instruments to preserve the memory of the murdered and Jews who fought against the Nazis and to prevent similar events in the future. The memorial was built in the year 1953 and has name rooms, art galleries, statues and archives with documentations.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend that you book your entrance ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

 

Security on Purim in Israel

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Security in Jerusalem is generally quite good and the crime rate low. While Jerusalem has been the victim of terrorist attacks, they have occurred sporadically. In addition, the areas with the highest tourist index are much less affected.

If you are still not convinced about visiting on Purim, we recommend that you seek information from the various security agencies in your home country.

It is always a good idea to keep your valuables in a safe place to avoid theft or loss. Also, we recommend the following products to store your valuables safely:

 

 

Weather on Purim in Israel

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Security in Jerusalem is generally quite good and the crime rate low. While Jerusalem has been the victim of terrorist attacks, these have occurred sporadically. In addition, the areas with the highest tourist index are much less affected.

If you are still not convinced to visit Purim, we recommend you to seek information from the different security agencies in your country of origin.

 

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How to get to Purim in Israel

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How to get there by plane

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The closest airport to Jerusalem and with the best connections is Ben Gurion International Airport, which receives a good number of flights from all over the world. Once you are here, you can use the different means to get to the center of the city of Jerusalem.

From the airport you can also take various means of transportation to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

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How to get there by train

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From the airport you can take a bus to Yoseftal Street. Once there, go to Lod Station and take a train to the center of Jerusalem.

 

How to get there by bus

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From the airport you can take a bus from Terminal 3 to Ramla Central Station. Once there, transfer to the city center using lines 433, 432 and 435.

 

How to get there by car

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From the airport take Route 1. The drive is 45 minutes.

 

Where to stay on Purim in Israel

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Booking.com

 

In the city of Jerusalem you have plenty of accommodations to choose from during your Purim visit.

Orient Jerusalem by Isrotel Exclusive Collection

5-star hotel 1.2 km from Israel’s city center. Rooms have air conditioning, TV and private bathroom. The hotel has 2 swimming pools, spa, bar, airport transfer, parking and free wifi.

 

Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

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5-star hotel 250 meters from Israel’s city center. Rooms feature air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar and private bathroom with shower and bathtub. Facilities include gym, restaurant, bar, parking and free wifi.

 

The Inbal Jerusalem

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5-star hotel 750 meters from Israel’s city center. Rooms have television and private bathrooms. Facilities include bar, restaurant, gym, spa, airport transfers and free internet.

We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.

 

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