Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Talk:Massachusetts

2010-03-02T20:14:53Z

71.243.119.203: /* Education */ new section

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{|
| bgcolor=#ccccff | '''''Please'' add your discussion in the appropriate section. Only start a new section if the discussion is on a new topic.'''
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;'Wondering how to edit this State Entry? 
;The [[Wikipedia:WikiProject U.S. States]] standards might help.
[[Special:Contributions/76.102.31.185|76.102.31.185]] ([[User talk:76.102.31.185|talk]]) 06:52, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

==External links==
I just removed a few links that I don't think belong - one was added by someone who was "spamming" many different articles including this one. Still there remain 22 external links, which seems excessive to me. If anyone cares to go through the other links and trim more, that would be great. Or is some rationale for all these links? --[[User:AudeVivere|Aude]] ([[User talk:AudeVivere|talk]]) 23:06, 2 November 2006 (UTC)

User Middleforkmaps added external link to interactive mapsachusetts mapping site

: I've stripped out a few more: links like the MBTA, the Boston Marathon and the state political parties belong more properly under articles for those entities, and the local NRA branch and genealogy seems a bit off topic. [[User:RGTraynor|RGTraynor]] 18:26, 6 November 2006 (UTC)

[http://www.massachussets.co.uk An online guide to the State of Massachussets] —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Bernini2|Bernini2]] ([[User talk:Bernini2|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Bernini2|contribs]]) 21:41, 1 April 2009 (UTC) 

==Infobox error==
How can the state be wider than it is long? Can someone more facile with these boxes than I correct this? [[User:Sfahey|Sfahey]] ([[User talk:Sfahey|talk]]) 23:44, 2 March 2009 (UTC)
:The width is East to West, the height North to South. Even including the islands and stuff like that, MA is wider than it is long. --[[User:OuroborosCobra|OuroborosCobra]] ([[User talk:OuroborosCobra|talk]]) 07:40, 3 March 2009 (UTC)

::Yes, but it reads "length", not "height".[[User:Sfahey|Sfahey]] ([[User talk:Sfahey|talk]]) 16:06, 3 March 2009 (UTC)
:::Well considering we are talking about a flat object, not something growing up from the ground, "height" may not be accurate. It is most likely a standard term for the infoboxes. Regardless, it is still correct. --[[User:OuroborosCobra|OuroborosCobra]] ([[User talk:OuroborosCobra|talk]]) 19:17, 3 March 2009 (UTC)

== Sports ==

1. Basketball Hall of Fame

2. Patriots Hall of Fame

3. Home of gymnast, Alica Sacromone

4. Boston Red Sox

5. Boston Bruins

6. New England Patriots

7. Boston Celtics

8. And of course, THE HOME OF THE YANKEE HATERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/98.229.212.146|98.229.212.146]] ([[User talk:98.229.212.146|talk]]) 00:13, 1 April 2009 (UTC) 

==The US "Commonwealth"==
The other uses tag states "This article is about the U.S. Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Shouldn't this say "US State of Massachusetts"? It is a US State which uses the word Commonwealth in its official name. Calling it "The US Commonwealth of Massachusetts" separates it from the other states. [[User:Archons|Archons]] ([[User talk:Archons|talk]]) 00:26, 27 May 2009 (UTC)
:Yes, and there are a number of others which call themselves "Commonwealth" too. Check it out. - [[User:Denimadept|Denimadept]] ([[User talk:Denimadept|talk]]) 02:48, 27 May 2009 (UTC)
:Here's the list: [[Commonwealth#U.S._states]] - [[User:Denimadept|Denimadept]] ([[User talk:Denimadept|talk]]) 02:50, 27 May 2009 (UTC)
::I'm aware of the list. My point is that it is the name of a state. The word commonwealth does not separate it from the 46 states that do not use that name. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Archons|Archons]] ([[User talk:Archons|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Archons|contribs]]) 02:08, 28 May 2009 (UTC) 
:::I'm not sure if that ''is'' a point. You'll need to clarify further if you really want to make one. Denimadept's point (with which I agree wholeheartedly) is that Massachusetts' name ''is'' the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts", not the "State of Massachusetts". Similarly, New York State is the "State of New York", not the "Commonwealth of New York". It's just the name, and it should suffice to say that "the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state". [[User:Arverniking|King of the Arverni]] ([[User talk:Arverniking|talk]]) 02:33, 28 May 2009 (UTC)
::And just to clarify, I'm not suggesting changing anything other than the other uses tag so that it is consistent with other State pages. [[User:Archons|Archons]] ([[User talk:Archons|talk]]) 02:28, 28 May 2009 (UTC)
:::I suppose that you could change the dab tag without upsetting anyone. Be [[WP:BOLD]]. [[User:Arverniking|King of the Arverni]] ([[User talk:Arverniking|talk]]) 02:34, 28 May 2009 (UTC)

== Sales Tax ==

I believe that sales tax for MA is going to change and the article needs to be revised. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/71.10.253.229|71.10.253.229]] ([[User talk:71.10.253.229|talk]]) 15:38, 8 July 2009 (UTC) 

:Find a reference and update the article, then. - [[User:Denimadept|Denimadept]] ([[User talk:Denimadept|talk]]) 16:38, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

::Nevermind, I found one. - [[User:Denimadept|Denimadept]] ([[User talk:Denimadept|talk]]) 16:52, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

== same-sex marriage ==
The article states, as of 2004 MA would be the sixth state/jurisdiction in the world legalizing same-sex marriage. This "ranking" cannot be correct as at least Germany adopted a federal act on same-sex marriage taking effect 1. August 2001. Since there is no current list on this legislation -regarding further countries- I think it would be better to mention this fact w/o a rank. --[[Special:Contributions/92.50.109.251|92.50.109.251]] ([[User talk:92.50.109.251|talk]]) 11:44, 18 July 2009 (UTC)
:According to the article [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Germany]], the 2001 legislation in Germany recognizes same-sex [[civil union]] or [[:de:Eingetragene_Partnerschaft|''Eingetragene Partnerschaft'']]. In 2004, Massachusetts joined the other jurisdictions listed in this article in specifically recognizing same-sex [[marriage]] ([[:de:Ehe|''Ehe'']]), indistinguishable from traditional marriage. [[User:Sswonk|Sswonk]] ([[User talk:Sswonk|talk]]) 14:19, 18 July 2009 (UTC)
¶ —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/206.78.38.73|206.78.38.73]] ([[User talk:206.78.38.73|talk]]) 20:01, 20 January 2010 (UTC) 

== Massachusetts Constitution ==

Just a quick note; is the Massachusetts constitution truly the oldest functioning constitution? It was written in 1780, but Vermont's constitution was written in 1777, and has not been given up. [[Special:Contributions/147.126.46.145|147.126.46.145]] ([[User talk:147.126.46.145|talk]])
:Nope. NH was 1783 to take effect in 1784 and was revised as of 2007. See [http://www.nh.gov/constitution/constitution.html]. - [[User:Denimadept|Denimadept]] ([[User talk:Denimadept|talk]]) 18:08, 6 February 2010 (UTC)

== Corruption ==

I would love to some some information about the Mafia and other sources of corruption in the MA gov't. I don't personally know any sources. Howeveer, myself and many others that lived there with me seem to think there is a lot going on behind the scenes to cause things like construction to be so wasteful and low quality (ie. sidewalks, roads etc.), especially for an otherwise wealthy state. If anyone has info on that, please post some, I'd love to see it! Thanks. [[User:GanjaManja|Demis]] ([[User talk:GanjaManja|talk]]) 18:52, 1 March 2010 (UTC)
:I was on the subway in Brookline yesterday with someone who "seemed to think" that the ticket counters had an easy job. That was until the ticket counter told him she was also a mechanic, had to fix the subways when they broke down. What people "seem to think" and what is reality don't often line up. --[[User:OuroborosCobra|OuroborosCobra]] ([[User talk:OuroborosCobra|talk]]) 19:42, 1 March 2010 (UTC)

== Education ==

Does anyone else think there's a little too much info on Westfield State College: "Massachusetts is also home to several other state funded 2 and 4 year colleges, including Westfield State College in the western portion of the state. Westfield State College has a rich history in Massachusetrts and boasts an array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Most well known for their education and criminal justice programs, Westfield State has more recently expanded graduate offerings through its Division of Graduate and Continuing Education to include Social Work, Psychology, English, Accountancy, and Public Administration, as well as a host of online courses."

This sounds like a college catalog to me. While we're at it, why don't we bring up all the other state colleges and their various undergraduate and graduate offerings...!?!? you get the point. [[Special:Contributions/71.243.119.203|71.243.119.203]] ([[User talk:71.243.119.203|talk]]) 20:14, 2 March 2010 (UTC)bacarolle

Purim

2006-01-25T20:13:36Z

71.243.119.203: /* Food */

<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="right" width="300">
<tr><td colspan="3" bgcolor=#3399FF><center>'''Purim'''</center></td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Holiday of:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">[[Judaism]] and [[Jew]]s</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Name:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">[[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: '''פורים'''</tr></td>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Translation:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">"Lots" (of a "[[lottery]]" performed by the wicked [[Haman (Bible)|Haman]])"</tr></td>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Begins:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">14th day of [[Adar]], (in [[Jerusalem]] on 15th Adar - because it's an ancient walled city.)
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Ends:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">14th day of [[Adar]], (in Jerusalem, the 15th of Adar)
</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Occasion:</td><td bgcolor="white">One of two '''Rabbinical Festivals''' (the other is [[Hanukkah]].) Celebration of Jewish deliverance as told in the [[Book of Esther]]. After the destruction of the [[Kingdom of Judah]], the [[Jew]]s were taken into the 70 year [[Babylonian captivity]]. When ancient [[Persian Empire|Persia]] took control, [[Haman (Bible)|Haman]] planned [[genocide]] against the Jews, but his plans were foiled by [[Esther]] and [[Mordechai]].
The miracle of the reversal of King [[Xerxes I of Persia|Ahasuerus]]' ({{unicode|Aḥashverosh}} in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]) decree to kill all the Jews instigated by Haman. The Jews went from being the "victims" of an evil decree against them, to becoming the ones favored by the king and allowed to destroy their former enemies, which happened on the day of Purim.</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Symbols:</td><td bgcolor="white">Listening to the reading of the [[Book of Esther]] - the ''Megillah'' ("scroll") in [[synagogue]]. Making noise with a ''gragger'' or any object when Haman's name is read out loud. Giving [[Tzedakah]] "gifts to the poor" (''matanot le'evyonim''). Sending "gift food portions" (''mishloach manot''). Eating festive meals and special cookies called ''[[Hamantasch]]en''. Drinking [[kosher]] [[wine]] to the point of "not knowing the difference (''ad delo yada'') between cursed be Haman and blessed be Mordechai". Wearing of [[mask]]s and [[disguise]]s.</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Related to:</td><td bgcolor="white">
[[Hanukkah]] (as a [[rabbi]]nically decreed holiday.)</td></tr></table>

'''Purim''' ('''פּוּרִים''' "Lots", [[Standard Hebrew]] '''Purim''', [[Tiberian Hebrew]] '''Pûrîm''': plural of פּוּר ''pûr'' "Lot", from [[Akkadian language|Akkadian]] ''pūru'') is a [[Jewish holiday]] that commemorates the deliverance of the Persian [[Jew]]s from the plot of the evil [[Haman (Judaism)|Haman]] to exterminate them, as recorded in the biblical [[Book of Esther]]. According to that book, the feast was instituted as a national one by the book's protagonists, [[Mordechai]] and [[Esther]]. Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th of the [[Hebrew calendar|Hebrew month]] of [[Adar]]. (In a small number of cities that were walled in ancient times, it is instead celebrated on the 15th.) As with all Jewish holidays, Purim begins at sundown on the previous day.

==Overview==

Like [[Hanukkah]], Purim's status as a holiday is on a lesser level than those ordained holy by the [[Torah]]. Accordingly, business transactions and even manual labor are allowed on Purim, although in certain places restrictions have been imposed on work (''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'', ''[[Orach Chayim]]'', 696).

Purim has been held in high esteem by [[Judaism]] at all times; some have held that when all the prophetical and hagiographical works are forgotten, the Book of Esther will still be remembered, and, accordingly, the Feast of Purim will continue to be observed ([[Jerusalem Talmud]], Meg. i. 5a; [[Maimonides]], "[[Mishneh Torah|Yad]]", Megillah).

The [[Book of Esther]] enjoins the annual celebration of the feast among the Jews on the 14th and 15th of Adar, commanding that they should "make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor". The ''[[siddur]]'' (Jewish prayer book) has a special prayer to be said on this festival.

== Reading of the Megillah ==

The first religious ceremony ordained for the celebration of Purim is the reading of the Book of Esther (the "Megillah") in the [[synagogue]], a regulation ascribed in the [[Talmud]] (Meg. 2a) to the "Men of the Great Synod", of which Mordechai is reported to have been a member. Originally this enactment was for the 14th of Adar only; later, however, Rabbi Joshua ben Levi (3d cent.) prescribed that the Megillah should be read on the eve of Purim also. Further, he obliged women to attend the reading of the Megillah, inasmuch as it was a woman, Queen Esther, through whom the miraculous deliverance of the Jews was accomplished.

In the [[Mishnah]], the recitation of a benediction on the reading of the Megillah is not yet a universally recognized obligation. However, the [[Talmud]], a later work, prescribed three benedictions before the reading and one benediction after the reading. The Talmud added other provisions. For example, the reader is to pronounce the names of the ten sons of [[Haman (Bible)|Haman]] (Esth. ix. 7-10) in one breath, to indicate their simultaneous death. The congregation was to recite aloud with the reader the verses ii. 5, viii. 15-16, and x. 3, which relate the origin of Mordechai and his triumph.

The Megillah is read with a [[Cantillation|traditional chant]] differing from that used in the customary reading of the [[Torah]]. In some places, however, it is not chanted, but is read like a letter, because of the name "iggeret" (epistle) which is applied (Esth. ix. 26, 29) to the Book of Esther. It has been also customary since the time of the Geonim (early medieval era) to unroll the whole Megillah before reading it, in order to give it the appearance of an epistle. According to [[Halakha|Jewish law]] the Megillah may be read in any language intelligible to the audience.
[[Image:Purim2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Observance of Purim in a German Synagogue of the Eighteenth Century", from Bodenschatz, ''Kirchliche Verfassung,'' 1748.]]
According to the Mishnah (Meg. 30b), Ex. xvii. 8-16, the story of the attack on the Jews by [[Amalek]], the progenitor of Haman, is also to be read.

Purim gave rise to many religious compositions, some of which were incorporated into the [[wiktionary:liturgy|liturgy]]. These include a large number of hymns intended for the public service. Other writings (dramas, plays, etc.) intended for general edification, both in Hebrew and in other languages, have been composed as well.

By the [[18th century]] in eastern [[Romania]] and some other parts of Eastern Europe, Purim plays -- [[Purimspiel]]s -- had evolved into broad-ranging satires with music and dance, precursors to [[Yiddish theater]], for which the story of Esther was little more than a pretext: indeed, by the mid-[[19th century]], some were even based on other stories, such as [[Joseph (Hebrew Bible)|Joseph]] sold by his brothers, [[Daniel]], or the Sacrifice of [[Isaac]]. Because satire was deemed inappropriate for the synagogue itself, they were usually performed outdoors in its court. The [[Bobov]] Hassidic group has never ceased performing its Purimspiel. The Bobov purimspiel is still performed annually, at midnight, inside the Bobov main synagogue in Brooklyn.

== Social customs ==

The Book of Esther prescribes "the sending of portions one to another, and gifts to the poor". Over time, this became one of the most prominent features of the celebration of Purim. Jews send gifts of food (called "shalach manos"), especially pastries, to one another, and Jews give charity to the poor. In the synagogue, regular collections may be made on the festival, and the money is distributed among the needy. No distinction was to be made among the poor; anyone who was willing to accept charity, even a non-Jew, was to be allowed to participate. It was obligatory upon the poorest Jew, even on one who was himself dependent on charity, to give to other poor — at least to two people. In some congregations, it is customary to place a charity box in the vestibule of the synagogue.

The national rather than the religious character of the festival made it appear appropriate to celebrate the occasion by feasting. Hence it was the rule to have at least one festive meal, called ''Seudat Purim'', toward the evening of the 14th. Jews developed special pastries for this holiday; cakes were shaped into special forms and were given names having some symbolic bearing on the historical events of Purim. Thus [[Ashkenazi]] Jews eat ''[[Hamantasch]]en'' and ''Hamanohren'' (in Italy, ''orrechi d'Aman''), ''Kreppchen'', ''Kindchen'', etc.

The jovial character of the feast was illustrated in the saying of the Talmud (Meg. 7b) that one should drink on Purim until he can no longer distinguish "Cursed be Haman" from "Blessed be Mordechai", a saying which was codified in the authoritative code of Jewish law, the Shulkhan Arukh. While Jews have long been noted for a lack of alcohol abuse, drunkenness was licensed on this holiday. In response, some commentators like [[Moses Isserles]] (The Rama) who worried about the abuse of this rule, developed less literal ways to understand this invitation. The Rama effectively pushed a message of moderation, saying that one should only drink a little more that what one is used to drinking and he concludes with "Whether one drinks more or drinks less, the main thing is that his intention is for the sake of Heaven." The Rama encouraged merry-making, but total intoxication was condemned.

Many kinds of merry-making and mockery have been indulged in on Purim, so that among the masses it has become almost a general rule that "on Purim everything is allowed", even transgressions of certain Biblical laws. Some men dress in women's attire and ''vice versa.'' The traditional tunes of prayers sung in the synagogue are sometimes altered, always in deliberately humorous ways.

== Masquerading ==
[[Image:Purim1.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Purim revellers in costume, from a 1657 print.]]
Dressing up in masks and costumes is one of the most entertaining customs of the Purim holiday. Children in particular enjoy dressing up as the characters found in the Scroll of Esther, including King Ahasuerus, Queen Vashti, Queen Esther, Mordechai, and the evil Haman.

Costumes and masks are worn to disguise the wearers' identities. Mistaken identity plays an important role in The Book of Esther, as Esther publically hid her cultural origins from the public, Haman was forced to lead Mordechai on horseback through the capital city Shushan (Haman had thought that the King would order Mordechai to lead Haman around, and this led to confusion among Haman's followers. Many commentaries state that Haman's daughter committed suicide after dumping the rotting contents of a trash bin on her father's head, thinking that he was Mordechai). However, there is also an important concept of ''hester panim'', or "hidden face," a reference to God's role in the Purim miracle. Although Jews believe that everything turned out in the end for the best as a direct result of divine intervention (that is, a series of miracles), the Book of Esther lacks any mention of God's name and seemingly appears to have been nothing more than a result of natural occurrences. In remembrance of how God remained hidden throughout the Purim Miracle, Jews dress up on Purim and many hide their faces.

The custom of masquerading on Purim was first introduced among the Italian Jews about the close of the fifteenth century under the influence of the Roman carnival. From [[Italy]], this custom spread over all countries where Jews lived, except perhaps the Orient. The first among Jewish authors to mention this custom is Judah Minz (d. 1508 at [[Venice]]) in his Responsa, No. 17, quoted by Moses Isserles on Orah Hayyim, 696:8. He expresses the opinion that, since the purpose of the masquerade is only merrymaking, it should not be considered a transgression of the Biblical law regarding dress. Although some rigorous authorities issued prohibitions against this custom, the people did not heed them, and the more lenient view prevailed. The custom is still practiced today amongst religious Jews of all denominations, and among both religious and non-religious [[Israel]]is.

In Israel there are Purim parades, and men, women, boys and girls frolic publicly in costumes and masks, and indulge in all kinds of jollity.

== Songs ==

Purim songs have been introduced even into the synagogue. For the children's sake certain verses from the Book of Esther have been sung in chorus on Purim. A popular song is "Ani Purim".

==Food==
During Purim, it is traditional to eat festive meals and to serve ''[[hamantaschen]]'' (taschen [pockets] of mon [poppy seed]). These are flattish triangular pastries, with a pocket in the center, traditionally filled with a sweet poppy seed (or sometimes prune) based filling, but more recently made with almost any sweet filling, including fruit or chocolate. This pastry's triangular shape is recognized as a symbol, representing the tri-cornered hat which Haman (Purim's chief villain) wore.

== Boisterousness in the synagogue ==
[[Image:Purim_Gragger.gif|right|framed|A depiction of a Purim ''"Gragger"'', a noise-maker which is spun by hand, often made of wood and only used when Haman's name is mentioned.]]
Indeed, Purim was an occasion on which much joyous license was permitted even within the walls of the synagogue itself. For example, during the public service in many congregations, when the reader of the Megillah mentions Haman or his sons, there is boisterous hissing, stamping, and rattling This practice traces its origin to French and German rabbis of the [[13th century]]. In accordance with a passage in the Midrash, where the verse "Thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek" (Deut. xxv. 19) is explained to mean "even from wood and stones", the rabbis introduced the custom of writing the name of Haman, the offspring of Amalek, on two smooth stones and of knocking or rubbing them constantly until the name was blotted out.

Ultimately, the stones fell into disuse, with the knocking alone remaining. Some wrote the name of Haman on the soles of their shoes, and at the mention of the name stamped with their feet as a sign of contempt. For noisemaking, others used a noisy rattle, called "gragger" or "greggar" (from [[Polish language|Polish]] ''grzégarz''). Some of the rabbis protested against these uproarious excesses, considering them a sinful disturbance of public worship, but did so in vain. The custom of using noisemakers in synagogue on Purim is now almost universal.

Purim is also a time for other unusual goings-on. For example, many congregations will read the prayers in ways which would be considered sacrilegious on any other occasion during the year - for example, asking the congregation to have a race, where the prayers would be read as fast as possible, or singing some prayers to the tune of widely-known songs, which may even be Christian, to add to the stupidity. Jews are also encouraged to dress up, with many people dressing up as pop stars, animals or even nuns. In some congregations, people who do not dress up have to perform a forfeit, such as having to sing a song, or being squirted with a [[water pistol]].

== Burning of Haman's effigy ==

Outside the synagogue the pranks indulged in on Purim by both children and adults have been carried even to a greater extreme. Some of them date from the Talmudic period. As early as the fifth century, and especially in the Geonic period (9th and 10th centuries), it was a custom to burn Haman in effigy on Purim.

In Italy, Jewish children used to range themselves in rows, and pelt one another with nuts; while the adults rode through the streets with fir-branches in their hands, shouted, or blew trumpets round a doll representing Haman and which was finally burned with due solemnity at the stake. In [[Frankfurt am Main]], [[Germany]], it was customary to make a house of [[wax]] wherein the figures of Haman and his executioner, also of wax, were placed side by side. The whole was then put on the almemar, where stood also the wax figures of Zeresh (Haman's wife) and two guards — one to her right and the other to her left — all attired in a flimsy manner and with pipes in their mouths. As soon as the reader began to read the Megillah, the house with all its occupants was set on fire to the enjoyment of the spectators.

These customs often aroused the wrath of Christians, who interpreted them as a disguised attempt to ridicule Jesus and the cross; prohibitions were issued against these displays; e.g., under the reign of [[Flavius Augustus Honorius|Honorius]] (395-423) and of [[Theodosius II]] (408-450; comp. Schudt, l.c. ii. 309, 317, and Cassel, l.c.). The Rabbis themselves, to avoid danger, tried to abolish these customs, often even calling the magistracy to their aid, as in [[London]] in 1783. This custom is no longer practiced.

== Fasting before and after Purim ==

The [[Fast of Esther]], celebrated before Purim, on the 13th of Adar, is not an original part of the Purim celebration, nor was it later instituted "in commemoration of the fasting of Esther, Mordechai, and the people", since this fasting fell, according to rabbinical tradition, in the month of Nisan and lasted three days. The first who mentions it is Rabbi Aḥa of Shabḥa (8th cent.) in "She'eltot", iv.; and the reason there given for its institution is based on an arbitrary interpretation of Esth. ix. 18 and Meg. 2a, "The 13th was the time of gathering", which gathering is explained to have had also the purpose of public prayer and fasting. Some, however, used to fast three days in commemoration of the fasting of Esther; but as fasting was prohibited during the month of Nisan, the first and second Mondays and the Thursday following Purim were chosen. The fast on the 13th is still commonly observed; but when that date falls on a Sabbath, the fast is put back to Thursday, Friday being needed to prepare for the Sabbath and the following Purim festival.

== Purim Katan ==

In [[Leap year#Hebrew calendar|leap years on the Hebrew calendar]], Purim is celebrated in the second month of Adar, but by the [[Karaites]] in the first month of Adar. The respective days of the first Adar being then called ''Purim Katan'' ("Little Purim" in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]), for which there have been set forth certain observances similar to those for Purim proper, with the exception of reading the Megillah, sending gifts to the poor, and fasting on the 13th of the month. The distinctions between the first and the second Purim in leap years are mentioned in the [[Mishnah]] (Meg. i. 46b; comp. Orah Hayyim, 697).

==Shushan Purim==
[[Shushan Purim]], is celebrated by those in [[Jerusalem]] the day after [[Purim]].

== Other "Purims" ==

Many cities have until recently had local "Purims", all commemorating the deliverance of the local community from a particular [[anti-semitism|anti-semitic]] ruler or group. The best known is ''Purim Vintz'', traditionally celebrated in Frankfurt am Main, one week after the regular Purim. This commemorates the Fettmilch uprising (1616-1620), in which one Vincenz Fettmilch attempted to exterminate the Jewish community [http://www.sehepunkte.historicum.net/2002/07/3792.html]. According to some sources, the influential Rabbi [[Moses Sofer]] (the ''Hatam Sofer''), who was born in [[Frankfurt]], celebrated Purim Vintz every year, even when rabbi in [[Pressburg]].

Many Jewish families have also had "family Purims" throughout the centuries, celebrated at home, whereby they celebrate their escape from persecution, an accident, or any other type of misfortune.

==External links==
*[http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday9.htm Judaism 101: Purim]
*[http://www.ou.org/chagim/purim/ Orthodox Union: Purim]
*[http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/purim/ Torah.org: Purim]
*[http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/holidays/purim.htm ReligionFacts.com: Purim]
*[http://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/default.asp Virtual Purim] at chabad.org
*[http://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article.asp?AID=1388 Purim from a Lubavitch perspective] at chabad.org
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=260802 The Laws of Reading the Megillah] at chabad.org
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=261101 The Laws of Sending Gifts on Purim] at chabad.org

{{JewishHolidays}}

[[Category:Jewish holy days]]

[[de:Purim]]
[[es:Purim]]
[[fr:Pourim]]
[[it:Purim]]
[[he:פורים]]
[[la:Phurim]]
[[hu:Purim]]
[[nl:Poeriem]]
[[ja:プーリーム]]
[[pl:Purim]]
[[pt:Purim]]
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Purim

2006-01-25T20:11:13Z

71.243.119.203: /* Food */

<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="right" width="300">
<tr><td colspan="3" bgcolor=#3399FF><center>'''Purim'''</center></td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Holiday of:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">[[Judaism]] and [[Jew]]s</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Name:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">[[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: '''פורים'''</tr></td>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Translation:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">"Lots" (of a "[[lottery]]" performed by the wicked [[Haman (Bible)|Haman]])"</tr></td>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Begins:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">14th day of [[Adar]], (in [[Jerusalem]] on 15th Adar - because it's an ancient walled city.)
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Ends:</td>
<td bgcolor="white">14th day of [[Adar]], (in Jerusalem, the 15th of Adar)
</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Occasion:</td><td bgcolor="white">One of two '''Rabbinical Festivals''' (the other is [[Hanukkah]].) Celebration of Jewish deliverance as told in the [[Book of Esther]]. After the destruction of the [[Kingdom of Judah]], the [[Jew]]s were taken into the 70 year [[Babylonian captivity]]. When ancient [[Persian Empire|Persia]] took control, [[Haman (Bible)|Haman]] planned [[genocide]] against the Jews, but his plans were foiled by [[Esther]] and [[Mordechai]].
The miracle of the reversal of King [[Xerxes I of Persia|Ahasuerus]]' ({{unicode|Aḥashverosh}} in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]) decree to kill all the Jews instigated by Haman. The Jews went from being the "victims" of an evil decree against them, to becoming the ones favored by the king and allowed to destroy their former enemies, which happened on the day of Purim.</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Symbols:</td><td bgcolor="white">Listening to the reading of the [[Book of Esther]] - the ''Megillah'' ("scroll") in [[synagogue]]. Making noise with a ''gragger'' or any object when Haman's name is read out loud. Giving [[Tzedakah]] "gifts to the poor" (''matanot le'evyonim''). Sending "gift food portions" (''mishloach manot''). Eating festive meals and special cookies called ''[[Hamantasch]]en''. Drinking [[kosher]] [[wine]] to the point of "not knowing the difference (''ad delo yada'') between cursed be Haman and blessed be Mordechai". Wearing of [[mask]]s and [[disguise]]s.</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#3399FF">Related to:</td><td bgcolor="white">
[[Hanukkah]] (as a [[rabbi]]nically decreed holiday.)</td></tr></table>

'''Purim''' ('''פּוּרִים''' "Lots", [[Standard Hebrew]] '''Purim''', [[Tiberian Hebrew]] '''Pûrîm''': plural of פּוּר ''pûr'' "Lot", from [[Akkadian language|Akkadian]] ''pūru'') is a [[Jewish holiday]] that commemorates the deliverance of the Persian [[Jew]]s from the plot of the evil [[Haman (Judaism)|Haman]] to exterminate them, as recorded in the biblical [[Book of Esther]]. According to that book, the feast was instituted as a national one by the book's protagonists, [[Mordechai]] and [[Esther]]. Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th of the [[Hebrew calendar|Hebrew month]] of [[Adar]]. (In a small number of cities that were walled in ancient times, it is instead celebrated on the 15th.) As with all Jewish holidays, Purim begins at sundown on the previous day.

==Overview==

Like [[Hanukkah]], Purim's status as a holiday is on a lesser level than those ordained holy by the [[Torah]]. Accordingly, business transactions and even manual labor are allowed on Purim, although in certain places restrictions have been imposed on work (''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'', ''[[Orach Chayim]]'', 696).

Purim has been held in high esteem by [[Judaism]] at all times; some have held that when all the prophetical and hagiographical works are forgotten, the Book of Esther will still be remembered, and, accordingly, the Feast of Purim will continue to be observed ([[Jerusalem Talmud]], Meg. i. 5a; [[Maimonides]], "[[Mishneh Torah|Yad]]", Megillah).

The [[Book of Esther]] enjoins the annual celebration of the feast among the Jews on the 14th and 15th of Adar, commanding that they should "make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor". The ''[[siddur]]'' (Jewish prayer book) has a special prayer to be said on this festival.

== Reading of the Megillah ==

The first religious ceremony ordained for the celebration of Purim is the reading of the Book of Esther (the "Megillah") in the [[synagogue]], a regulation ascribed in the [[Talmud]] (Meg. 2a) to the "Men of the Great Synod", of which Mordechai is reported to have been a member. Originally this enactment was for the 14th of Adar only; later, however, Rabbi Joshua ben Levi (3d cent.) prescribed that the Megillah should be read on the eve of Purim also. Further, he obliged women to attend the reading of the Megillah, inasmuch as it was a woman, Queen Esther, through whom the miraculous deliverance of the Jews was accomplished.

In the [[Mishnah]], the recitation of a benediction on the reading of the Megillah is not yet a universally recognized obligation. However, the [[Talmud]], a later work, prescribed three benedictions before the reading and one benediction after the reading. The Talmud added other provisions. For example, the reader is to pronounce the names of the ten sons of [[Haman (Bible)|Haman]] (Esth. ix. 7-10) in one breath, to indicate their simultaneous death. The congregation was to recite aloud with the reader the verses ii. 5, viii. 15-16, and x. 3, which relate the origin of Mordechai and his triumph.

The Megillah is read with a [[Cantillation|traditional chant]] differing from that used in the customary reading of the [[Torah]]. In some places, however, it is not chanted, but is read like a letter, because of the name "iggeret" (epistle) which is applied (Esth. ix. 26, 29) to the Book of Esther. It has been also customary since the time of the Geonim (early medieval era) to unroll the whole Megillah before reading it, in order to give it the appearance of an epistle. According to [[Halakha|Jewish law]] the Megillah may be read in any language intelligible to the audience.
[[Image:Purim2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Observance of Purim in a German Synagogue of the Eighteenth Century", from Bodenschatz, ''Kirchliche Verfassung,'' 1748.]]
According to the Mishnah (Meg. 30b), Ex. xvii. 8-16, the story of the attack on the Jews by [[Amalek]], the progenitor of Haman, is also to be read.

Purim gave rise to many religious compositions, some of which were incorporated into the [[wiktionary:liturgy|liturgy]]. These include a large number of hymns intended for the public service. Other writings (dramas, plays, etc.) intended for general edification, both in Hebrew and in other languages, have been composed as well.

By the [[18th century]] in eastern [[Romania]] and some other parts of Eastern Europe, Purim plays -- [[Purimspiel]]s -- had evolved into broad-ranging satires with music and dance, precursors to [[Yiddish theater]], for which the story of Esther was little more than a pretext: indeed, by the mid-[[19th century]], some were even based on other stories, such as [[Joseph (Hebrew Bible)|Joseph]] sold by his brothers, [[Daniel]], or the Sacrifice of [[Isaac]]. Because satire was deemed inappropriate for the synagogue itself, they were usually performed outdoors in its court. The [[Bobov]] Hassidic group has never ceased performing its Purimspiel. The Bobov purimspiel is still performed annually, at midnight, inside the Bobov main synagogue in Brooklyn.

== Social customs ==

The Book of Esther prescribes "the sending of portions one to another, and gifts to the poor". Over time, this became one of the most prominent features of the celebration of Purim. Jews send gifts of food (called "shalach manos"), especially pastries, to one another, and Jews give charity to the poor. In the synagogue, regular collections may be made on the festival, and the money is distributed among the needy. No distinction was to be made among the poor; anyone who was willing to accept charity, even a non-Jew, was to be allowed to participate. It was obligatory upon the poorest Jew, even on one who was himself dependent on charity, to give to other poor — at least to two people. In some congregations, it is customary to place a charity box in the vestibule of the synagogue.

The national rather than the religious character of the festival made it appear appropriate to celebrate the occasion by feasting. Hence it was the rule to have at least one festive meal, called ''Seudat Purim'', toward the evening of the 14th. Jews developed special pastries for this holiday; cakes were shaped into special forms and were given names having some symbolic bearing on the historical events of Purim. Thus [[Ashkenazi]] Jews eat ''[[Hamantasch]]en'' and ''Hamanohren'' (in Italy, ''orrechi d'Aman''), ''Kreppchen'', ''Kindchen'', etc.

The jovial character of the feast was illustrated in the saying of the Talmud (Meg. 7b) that one should drink on Purim until he can no longer distinguish "Cursed be Haman" from "Blessed be Mordechai", a saying which was codified in the authoritative code of Jewish law, the Shulkhan Arukh. While Jews have long been noted for a lack of alcohol abuse, drunkenness was licensed on this holiday. In response, some commentators like [[Moses Isserles]] (The Rama) who worried about the abuse of this rule, developed less literal ways to understand this invitation. The Rama effectively pushed a message of moderation, saying that one should only drink a little more that what one is used to drinking and he concludes with "Whether one drinks more or drinks less, the main thing is that his intention is for the sake of Heaven." The Rama encouraged merry-making, but total intoxication was condemned.

Many kinds of merry-making and mockery have been indulged in on Purim, so that among the masses it has become almost a general rule that "on Purim everything is allowed", even transgressions of certain Biblical laws. Some men dress in women's attire and ''vice versa.'' The traditional tunes of prayers sung in the synagogue are sometimes altered, always in deliberately humorous ways.

== Masquerading ==
[[Image:Purim1.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Purim revellers in costume, from a 1657 print.]]
Dressing up in masks and costumes is one of the most entertaining customs of the Purim holiday. Children in particular enjoy dressing up as the characters found in the Scroll of Esther, including King Ahasuerus, Queen Vashti, Queen Esther, Mordechai, and the evil Haman.

Costumes and masks are worn to disguise the wearers' identities. Mistaken identity plays an important role in The Book of Esther, as Esther publically hid her cultural origins from the public, Haman was forced to lead Mordechai on horseback through the capital city Shushan (Haman had thought that the King would order Mordechai to lead Haman around, and this led to confusion among Haman's followers. Many commentaries state that Haman's daughter committed suicide after dumping the rotting contents of a trash bin on her father's head, thinking that he was Mordechai). However, there is also an important concept of ''hester panim'', or "hidden face," a reference to God's role in the Purim miracle. Although Jews believe that everything turned out in the end for the best as a direct result of divine intervention (that is, a series of miracles), the Book of Esther lacks any mention of God's name and seemingly appears to have been nothing more than a result of natural occurrences. In remembrance of how God remained hidden throughout the Purim Miracle, Jews dress up on Purim and many hide their faces.

The custom of masquerading on Purim was first introduced among the Italian Jews about the close of the fifteenth century under the influence of the Roman carnival. From [[Italy]], this custom spread over all countries where Jews lived, except perhaps the Orient. The first among Jewish authors to mention this custom is Judah Minz (d. 1508 at [[Venice]]) in his Responsa, No. 17, quoted by Moses Isserles on Orah Hayyim, 696:8. He expresses the opinion that, since the purpose of the masquerade is only merrymaking, it should not be considered a transgression of the Biblical law regarding dress. Although some rigorous authorities issued prohibitions against this custom, the people did not heed them, and the more lenient view prevailed. The custom is still practiced today amongst religious Jews of all denominations, and among both religious and non-religious [[Israel]]is.

In Israel there are Purim parades, and men, women, boys and girls frolic publicly in costumes and masks, and indulge in all kinds of jollity.

== Songs ==

Purim songs have been introduced even into the synagogue. For the children's sake certain verses from the Book of Esther have been sung in chorus on Purim. A popular song is "Ani Purim".

==Food==
During Purim, it is traditional to eat festive meals and to serve ''[[hamantaschen]]'' (taschen [pockets] of mon [poppy seed]). These are flattish triangular pastries, with a pocket in the center, traditionally filled with a sweet poppy seed (or sometimes prune) based filling, but more recently made with almost any sweet filling, including fruit or chocolate. This pastry's triangular shape is seen as a symbol, representing the tri-cornered hat which Haman (Purim's chief villain) wore.

== Boisterousness in the synagogue ==
[[Image:Purim_Gragger.gif|right|framed|A depiction of a Purim ''"Gragger"'', a noise-maker which is spun by hand, often made of wood and only used when Haman's name is mentioned.]]
Indeed, Purim was an occasion on which much joyous license was permitted even within the walls of the synagogue itself. For example, during the public service in many congregations, when the reader of the Megillah mentions Haman or his sons, there is boisterous hissing, stamping, and rattling This practice traces its origin to French and German rabbis of the [[13th century]]. In accordance with a passage in the Midrash, where the verse "Thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek" (Deut. xxv. 19) is explained to mean "even from wood and stones", the rabbis introduced the custom of writing the name of Haman, the offspring of Amalek, on two smooth stones and of knocking or rubbing them constantly until the name was blotted out.

Ultimately, the stones fell into disuse, with the knocking alone remaining. Some wrote the name of Haman on the soles of their shoes, and at the mention of the name stamped with their feet as a sign of contempt. For noisemaking, others used a noisy rattle, called "gragger" or "greggar" (from [[Polish language|Polish]] ''grzégarz''). Some of the rabbis protested against these uproarious excesses, considering them a sinful disturbance of public worship, but did so in vain. The custom of using noisemakers in synagogue on Purim is now almost universal.

Purim is also a time for other unusual goings-on. For example, many congregations will read the prayers in ways which would be considered sacrilegious on any other occasion during the year - for example, asking the congregation to have a race, where the prayers would be read as fast as possible, or singing some prayers to the tune of widely-known songs, which may even be Christian, to add to the stupidity. Jews are also encouraged to dress up, with many people dressing up as pop stars, animals or even nuns. In some congregations, people who do not dress up have to perform a forfeit, such as having to sing a song, or being squirted with a [[water pistol]].

== Burning of Haman's effigy ==

Outside the synagogue the pranks indulged in on Purim by both children and adults have been carried even to a greater extreme. Some of them date from the Talmudic period. As early as the fifth century, and especially in the Geonic period (9th and 10th centuries), it was a custom to burn Haman in effigy on Purim.

In Italy, Jewish children used to range themselves in rows, and pelt one another with nuts; while the adults rode through the streets with fir-branches in their hands, shouted, or blew trumpets round a doll representing Haman and which was finally burned with due solemnity at the stake. In [[Frankfurt am Main]], [[Germany]], it was customary to make a house of [[wax]] wherein the figures of Haman and his executioner, also of wax, were placed side by side. The whole was then put on the almemar, where stood also the wax figures of Zeresh (Haman's wife) and two guards — one to her right and the other to her left — all attired in a flimsy manner and with pipes in their mouths. As soon as the reader began to read the Megillah, the house with all its occupants was set on fire to the enjoyment of the spectators.

These customs often aroused the wrath of Christians, who interpreted them as a disguised attempt to ridicule Jesus and the cross; prohibitions were issued against these displays; e.g., under the reign of [[Flavius Augustus Honorius|Honorius]] (395-423) and of [[Theodosius II]] (408-450; comp. Schudt, l.c. ii. 309, 317, and Cassel, l.c.). The Rabbis themselves, to avoid danger, tried to abolish these customs, often even calling the magistracy to their aid, as in [[London]] in 1783. This custom is no longer practiced.

== Fasting before and after Purim ==

The [[Fast of Esther]], celebrated before Purim, on the 13th of Adar, is not an original part of the Purim celebration, nor was it later instituted "in commemoration of the fasting of Esther, Mordechai, and the people", since this fasting fell, according to rabbinical tradition, in the month of Nisan and lasted three days. The first who mentions it is Rabbi Aḥa of Shabḥa (8th cent.) in "She'eltot", iv.; and the reason there given for its institution is based on an arbitrary interpretation of Esth. ix. 18 and Meg. 2a, "The 13th was the time of gathering", which gathering is explained to have had also the purpose of public prayer and fasting. Some, however, used to fast three days in commemoration of the fasting of Esther; but as fasting was prohibited during the month of Nisan, the first and second Mondays and the Thursday following Purim were chosen. The fast on the 13th is still commonly observed; but when that date falls on a Sabbath, the fast is put back to Thursday, Friday being needed to prepare for the Sabbath and the following Purim festival.

== Purim Katan ==

In [[Leap year#Hebrew calendar|leap years on the Hebrew calendar]], Purim is celebrated in the second month of Adar, but by the [[Karaites]] in the first month of Adar. The respective days of the first Adar being then called ''Purim Katan'' ("Little Purim" in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]), for which there have been set forth certain observances similar to those for Purim proper, with the exception of reading the Megillah, sending gifts to the poor, and fasting on the 13th of the month. The distinctions between the first and the second Purim in leap years are mentioned in the [[Mishnah]] (Meg. i. 46b; comp. Orah Hayyim, 697).

==Shushan Purim==
[[Shushan Purim]], is celebrated by those in [[Jerusalem]] the day after [[Purim]].

== Other "Purims" ==

Many cities have until recently had local "Purims", all commemorating the deliverance of the local community from a particular [[anti-semitism|anti-semitic]] ruler or group. The best known is ''Purim Vintz'', traditionally celebrated in Frankfurt am Main, one week after the regular Purim. This commemorates the Fettmilch uprising (1616-1620), in which one Vincenz Fettmilch attempted to exterminate the Jewish community [http://www.sehepunkte.historicum.net/2002/07/3792.html]. According to some sources, the influential Rabbi [[Moses Sofer]] (the ''Hatam Sofer''), who was born in [[Frankfurt]], celebrated Purim Vintz every year, even when rabbi in [[Pressburg]].

Many Jewish families have also had "family Purims" throughout the centuries, celebrated at home, whereby they celebrate their escape from persecution, an accident, or any other type of misfortune.

==External links==
*[http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday9.htm Judaism 101: Purim]
*[http://www.ou.org/chagim/purim/ Orthodox Union: Purim]
*[http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/purim/ Torah.org: Purim]
*[http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/holidays/purim.htm ReligionFacts.com: Purim]
*[http://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/default.asp Virtual Purim] at chabad.org
*[http://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article.asp?AID=1388 Purim from a Lubavitch perspective] at chabad.org
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=260802 The Laws of Reading the Megillah] at chabad.org
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=261101 The Laws of Sending Gifts on Purim] at chabad.org

{{JewishHolidays}}

[[Category:Jewish holy days]]

[[de:Purim]]
[[es:Purim]]
[[fr:Pourim]]
[[it:Purim]]
[[he:פורים]]
[[la:Phurim]]
[[hu:Purim]]
[[nl:Poeriem]]
[[ja:プーリーム]]
[[pl:Purim]]
[[pt:Purim]]
[[fi:Purim]]
[[sv:Purim]]