Purim

Last night was my first Purim and it was a great success I arrived to the synagogue a bit earlier than the Megillah reading so I could learn a bit but the synagogue was already full with people around the Rabbi who was explaining some things from the book of Esther. It was quite fun to see it, the group was very diverse, some people that were taking it very seriously while others would make random remarks like: “is the statue of Nebuchadnezzar for sale?” or “was the food at Achashverosh’s  place mehadrin?” After having read this post, I was less impressed by the timetable presented and the insistence of this having taken place historically, but of course I didnt ask “why doesnt the book of Ezra mention it” or any other difficult questions.

When the Megillah reading started a lot of people poured in with their costumes and I received a mask as well. The reading was quite long and I tried to decide whether it would be improper to learn something else at the same time but not being sure I just sat out the ride. After the service finished the whole synagogue left for a bar and I, of course, joined. After the entrance fee there was unlimited drinks so Im sure alot of people took a good shot at fulfilling the mitzvah of drinking until you dont know the difference between ‘blessed is Mordechai’ and ‘accursed is Haman’. I personally didnt manage as I had a fairly long trip home and at the same time I dont like to ruin the next day by drinking too much. The music they played was Chassidic with a strong beat and lest anyone be concerned there were curtains on the dancefloor separating men and women.

Before going to the synagogue I wasnt sure whether I would go to the party because I can go to a party anytime but Im glad I went. And by now I have made some friends so its quite nice to be welcomed when I come.

So this was my first holiday in synagogue and I wonder what holiday will be able to beat it:)

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