I used to think that if Purim was more than one day, it would be easier,
as spreading out the celebration would make it less intense and less tiring.
Oh, was I wrong!
Purim holiday celebrations begin early in Jerusalem, Israel,
and continue well after others have ended.
While the rest of the world went back to work,
Jerusalem was still in full holiday mode.
Many synagogues and Megillat Esther readings were colorful events.
This year zombies and witches roamed the streets at night.
There were some really great shades of hair: blue, purple,
and fluorescent green.
These Israeli soldiers were wearing green too, as they sat in front of the
Hurva Synagogue listening to their tour guide, they were the real thing.
But who here is in a Purim costume?
Sometimes it was easy to tell the costumes,
but other times it was not so easy to decide
who in Jerusalem was dressing up for Purim.
I am pretty sure this was a mask.
Often a hat was enough
to share the festive mood.
Streets actors on stilts performed in Mamilla Mall,
but they were not the only big people in costumes.
For fancy dresses of all sizes,
Purim was a colorful time,
celebrated
in many ways.
Smurfs were popular – this one was a head turner,
as was this hair cut.
Purim, a time of costumes,
hair and smiles,
food and feasting and drinking.
And as every year on Purim, I am fascinated how many
Arab families are out
Until next year,
Happy Purim.
Still not enough?
Then you can see more photos here.
