Purim in Jerusalem More than Just a Day

It is Spring in Jerusalem, Israel, and the barren land turns green from the winter rain.

Valley of Cross Jerusalem Israel in spring.

The flowers pop up from out of the ground.

Rafefet growing from old rocks in Valley of Cross Jerusalem Israel

Even from deep in ancient rocks, new life and color emerge, as the rafkefet, the cyclamen,  thrive with the cool winter temperatures.

Flowers planted near Jerusalem Windmill in Israeli park

Planted flower beds are ready for longer days and warm sunshine.

Sounds of the Night Jerusalem Festival in Old City

The special Ai WeWei art exhibit at the Israel Museum is ending, while the annual Sounds of Night Festival in the Old City is coming soon.

But, this is Purim week in Jerusalem, Israel.

In Israel, it goes on and on for more than one day.

Many museums are free for children both on Purim and Shushan Purim this year, on Thursday and Friday.

Purim costumes for children on Agrippas Street in Jerusalem, Israel Arab woman looking at dresses

However, costumes have been displayed for sale for weeks.

Purim in Jerusalem, Israel parents taking photo of girl dressed as bride

Wedding photos are often taken near sunset in Jerusalem parks, but this miniature bride was getting her Purim photographs taken a week before Purim in the Rose Garden near the Knesset.

Purim costume Lego Man in Jerusalem Israel

After days of younger children going to school dressed in pajamas, upside-down and whatever clever theme teachers could think of next, high school students joined in the holiday fun. On King George Street, LegoMan was a colorful and clever idea.

Purim costume giant marionette in Jerusalem Israel before Purim

Marionette guy took a second to turn and pose on his way to school.

Purim in Jerusalem Israel costumes for school before holiday

These girls were on their way dressed in a theme, but went past too quickly for me first thing in morning. I will spare you all the family photos posted on WhatsApp as they headed out to school. We even had a poop emoji in the bunch.

Children behind school gate dressed in Purim costumes Israel

Activities, and especially dress-up, were the rage in schools for nursery age children throughout Israel.  These cuties, policemen, brides, princesses and more in the south were singing Purim songs for us as we passed by their playground.

Purim in Israel carnival for community by AMIT girls' school

Purim carnivals and other activities have been held since the beginning of the Hebrew month of Adar, with schools involving communities to celebrate in the fun.

Hamentaschen piled up in Machane Yehuda Market for Purim

Oh and the food. Hamentashen galore in a list of flavors growing annually. The days of only poppy-seed and prune are long gone, only memories.

The Purim seuda, the festive holiday meal, is enjoyed by Jerusalemites on Friday, and should begin early enough so as not to interfere with the onset of Shabbat. We are planning to start at 11:00 after reading Megillat Esther. Others are starting later and going into the Sabbath.

Meanwhile, it is time to get cooking. I used to think it was be good to have extra time to prepare for Purim, a one-day holiday that went by so quickly. Now I’m not so sure. Creating multiple costumes, sending treats to school classrooms, beside the usual preparing food gifts to send, it seems endless.

Purim in Jerusalem megila ready every hour AZZA ZAZA

For the 8th year, AZZA ZAZA, continuous readings of Megillat Esther are being offered by Chabad in the Rechavia neighborhood. They offer over 20 readings, every hour in various public locations near Azza Street.

There are more Purim celebrations and events in Jerusalem than we can list, but the municipality website has a few of dozens, in English listed HERE

Happy Purim Jerusalem street posters

Happy Purim!

6 thoughts on “Purim in Jerusalem More than Just a Day

  • February 28, 2018 at 6:18 pm
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    Purim Sameach to you Sharon

    Reply
    • February 28, 2018 at 7:16 pm
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      Thank you. Purim sameach and shabat shalom

      Reply
  • March 1, 2018 at 1:39 am
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    Many thanks for your weekly RJS that I always enjoy viewing. Best wishes for a Happy Purim, Purim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom

    Reply
  • March 1, 2018 at 8:24 am
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    Thank you for your ongoing reports and beautiful photos – a reminder for me to keep a return visit in my plans. Wishing you and family a Purim Sameach

    Reply
    • March 1, 2018 at 10:27 am
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      Thank you so much! Comments like this are much appreciated and keep me going. Please feel free to share. Purim sameach

      Reply
  • Pingback: Purim in Jerusalem – mehr als nur ein Tag | abseits vom mainstream - heplev

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