Purim in Jerusalem

As soon as the Jerusalem Marathon is over,

the Jerusalem Purim marathon drew to a close.

With this leap year’s second Adar,

shops, organizations, and schools

have been preparing to celebrate the Purim holiday,

for a long, long time.

In Jerusalem, Israel, there is a street named

for Shushan and Mordechai HaYehudi,

and for Queen Esther,

 with this sign as always a holiday favorite.

New this year was

a mask exhibit at the Bible Lands Museum.

Masks, face paint, and hats were the norm

at one synagogue megillah reading,

where costumes were optional.

On Emek Refaim Street a tent was set up

for community readings of Megilat Esther.

Meanwhile, there was a party was going on

down the road at the community center;

and yes, I liked Barbara’s hat.

Hats and smiles out at night with over tired babies,

or ready to party, all lit up,

Thursday night as Purim was ending for the rest of Israel,

Shushan Purim in Jerusalem was just getting going.

This year Supermen of all sizes

and little fire fighters were out on the streets,

but I only saw one of these big guys getting on a bus.

Problem is, often in Jerusalem, it is hard to tell

Purim

or not Purim?

Purim went right into Shabbat,

so it has taken until Sunday to wish all

Purim Sameach!

Happy Purim!

Whew, but now that Purim is finally finished,

it is time for the Sounds of the Old City music festival

and the Jerusalem Arts Festival,

and to start planning for Passover!

But first maybe a good night sleep?

After changing the clocks,

some rest would be very helpful.