Israeli's have just celebrated Purim.  Purim is a holiday of rejoicing, based on the account of Mordechai and Esther, as recorded in the book of Esther.

School children mark the event by wearing beautifully colored and frilly costumes.  Husbands bring flowers for their wives..  Bakeries make a tricornered pastry filled with prunes, currants or poppy seeds called Hamantasch, translated "Haman's ears".  There is an atmosphere of lightness and joy, a break in the tensions of everyday life.

In synagogues, the chapters of Esther are read aloud with hissing and booing every time Haman's name comes up.  When Mordechai's name is read, there is loud cheering. 

I, along with Marlene and Kay had the enjoyment of visiting one of the schools where BFP has a lunch program (FEED A CHILD program), feeding numerous Russian immigrant children.  We were welcomed into the classroom with English greetings and very happy faces.  They were so glad for the packets of candies we left with them.

The celebration extols the protective hand of God from annihilation.  We pray that history will repeat itself.