Purim, a significant Jewish holiday, begins on the evening of March 2, 2024 and continues through the following day. This festival, celebrated during the month of Adar, is a time of joy and festivity, commemorating the courage of Queen Esther and the survival of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. As the holiday approaches, it serves as a poignant reminder to not only celebrate but also to confront the ongoing issue of antisemitism.
The story of Purim dates back to the 4th century BCE during the reign of King Ahasuerus of the Persian Empire, which spanned over 127 provinces. According to the Book of Esther, King Ahasuerus ordered the execution of Queen Vashti for defying him, subsequently seeking a new queen through a beauty pageant. Esther, a Jewish woman, was chosen but initially concealed her identity. The plot thickened when Haman, an official in the king’s court who harbored a deep hatred for the Jewish people, sought to annihilate them, leading to a decree for their extermination on the 13th of Adar.
In a bold act of bravery, Esther revealed her Jewish identity to King Ahasuerus and invited him and Haman to a banquet, risking her life to save her people. Her intervention ultimately led to Haman’s downfall and the rescue of the Jewish community, marking Purim as a celebration of survival and resilience.
Traditionally, Purim is celebrated with various customs, including the reading of the Megillah, or the Book of Esther. During this reading, attendees boo and hiss at Haman’s name, symbolically erasing his memory. Celebrations often include festive meals, costumes, and the sharing of sweet treats such as Hamantaschen, triangular pastries filled with fruit, representing Haman’s hat.
For many, including Sue Winthrop, a longtime resident of Longmont, Purim is a cherished holiday that evokes memories of community and joy. Winthrop reflects on her upbringing, where Purim carnivals at the synagogue fostered a sense of belonging. Yet, amid the festivities, she emphasizes the importance of addressing contemporary issues of hatred and discrimination.
In her opinion piece, Winthrop draws parallels between the historical narrative of Purim and modern-day challenges. She expresses deep concern over current immigration policies, specifically criticizing the actions of officials like Stephen Miller, a senior policy adviser known for implementing stringent immigration tactics. Winthrop points out that Miller, who comes from a Jewish background, contradicts the values of compassion and acceptance that many Jewish families uphold.
Winthrop’s reflections serve as a call to action, urging individuals to stand against injustice and work toward a more equitable society. She advocates for peaceful resistance through protests, discussions, and voting, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to combat hatred in all forms.
As Purim approaches, the holiday not only celebrates a historical victory over oppression but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against antisemitism and hatred. In the spirit of Queen Esther, individuals are encouraged to embrace courage and compassion in their communities.
