There’s Purim as we know it in most of the rest of world.
Then there’s Shushan Purim that is celebrated on the following day in Jerusalem, Israel.
Purim goes on and on and on, and this year it went right into Shabbat on Friday evening.
This Purim Sameach sign was hanging on the wall at an army base, above the tables set for their celebration.
Thousands of Israel security personnel received mishloah manot, gift bags with treats, and letters written by children from around the world expressing appreciation for their service in defense of Israel. This has become an annual project for multiple organizations.
Hamantashen galore are an annual sign of Purim.
A reading of Megilat Esther in First Station has become an annual event.
Children dress in costumes for the night time reading all over the world.
Purim masks vary from year to year.
Sometimes it is hard to decide who is in a Purim costume and who is not?
And some costumes are inside jokes, too long to explain.
For some hats make their Purim costume.
This year the beret of new Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch became a popular costume in Beit Shemesh, and in Jerusalem as well.
The Scroll of Esther was read from a real scroll in hundreds of Jerusalem locations.
Also, collecting money for the poor and remembering the half shekel of old are annual important customs around the world.
But on the Jerusalem streets there were all sorts of characters running around.
Sadly, some of the best were moving too fast to photograph.
One family was dressed to go out of this world. But they were left holding their children’s space helmets, which were not allowed to be worn on this moon bounce.
The Purim Carnival celebration burgers looked good, but what a shame! I heard that the power went out soon after I left.
Unicorns were popular this year, for all ages.
Smiles at Purim parties were easy to find.
However, deciding which doctor to consult could have posed a problem.
One royally dressed friend wanted to show off her glam outfit under her coat.
Purim in Jerusalem means wings and ears,
and lots of colors,
tall hats,
and even sushi ones.
Little Purple Riding Hood going to Gramma’s house?
Festive meals went all day on Friday, some going straight into Shabbat.
Purim on Friday is not my favorite, it feels so strange.
All week costumes have been spotted on Jerusalem streets, as these young women pose for a photo at a Jerusalem bus stop.
But not to worry, there will be no boring days now that the Marathon and Purim are finally over.
Signs are up for the Jerusalem Arts Festival.
The Art and Brain Festival at Cinematheque is back again this week.
I do not need the Fly Over Birds Festival to be aware of bird migration, as they are outside my window chirping away loudly before dawn.
Clocks are changing on March 29, so being tired is a certainty.
And the annual Sounds of Night Festival is next week.
However, one last time until next year…
Purim sameach! Happy Purim!