Purim in the Holy Land: Tales of Disguise, Mirth and the Constant Threat of Haman
The American Colony's "Book Club" (1898). Almost certainly not Purim-related, but great costumes! |
"They tried to kill us. We survived. Let's eat!"
The Jews of Palestine used to celebrate heartily at the Purim Adloyada ["until they don't know"] festival and parade held in Tel Aviv in the 1920s and 30's. Some commentators make a crude comparison to Marde Gras partying, but the merriment is based on an ancient rabbinic tradition of Jews imbibing on Purim to the point where they do not know the difference between sobriety and drunkenness, between Mordechai and Haman -- but without losing their wits.
Purim celebration in Tel Aviv (1934) |
Purim carnival in Tel Aviv (1934) |
The "Queen Esther" of the carnival in 1934 |
Jerusalem Drama Society in costume (not believed to be related to Purim) 1940 |
Click on the captions to see the originals.
The parallels between Haman's threat and the threats against Israel from Persia/Iran today are stark and worrisome.
Purim parade in Tel Aviv with a float of a dangerous 3-headed Nazi dragon (1934) |
Tel Aviv Purim float of Nazi cannons (screen capture from 1933 film) |
Another movie photographer filmed a float in 1933 showing dangerous Nazi cannons. A screen capture from the film is presented here.
View Yaakov Gross' film of the Tel Aviv celebrations in the 1930s here: Visit his wonderful collection of films here.
http://www.israeldailypicture.com/2012/03/purim-in-holy-land-tales-of-disguise.html
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