And for the Jewish posters here, we are now in the Hebrew month of Adar, during which the festive holiday of Purim occurs (beginning Thursday evening, March 13 through Friday evening March 14 @ sundown). On Purim we read the Megilat Esther (Scroll of Esther) which recounts the time when the Jews of Shushan, Persia were spared from being killed by the evil man Haman (the foolish king's adviser @ the time). Queen Esther revealed her Jewish identity to the king, and Haman was hanged. He was replaced by Queen Esther's relative Mordecai. We eat special three cornered fruit filled pastries called "Hamantaschen" (to resemble Haman's three cornered hat. In Israel, they are called Oznei Haman - Haman's ears). People get dressed up in costumes, have parties, carnivals during Adar, and we send food gifts (Mishlo-ach manot) to family, friends, and the poor. During the reading of the Megillah (scroll), we use groggers (noisemakers) to drown out Haman's name whenever it is mentioned in the narrative. We cheer for Esther & Mordecai. In addition to the reading of the Megillah on Purim evening, many synagogues put on a Purim "Shpiel" (a play) telling the story of Purim, usually with some parody songs. I participate in the chorus every year when our synagogue puts on a Shpiel, which we are currently rehearsing.
Exactly four weeks after the observance of Purim comes Passover!
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