The Human Spirit: Gone to soldiers and princesses  

By Barbara Sofer

These are the days in Israel when the last of the laundered Purim costumes are being packed into storage for next year, and Passover prep has begun.

A few thoughts on Purim before tucking this holiday away until 5775, or until the Messiah arrives – whichever comes first. (We all know that Purim is the holiday that is supposed to exist even in the Messianic Age.) The presence of an American cousin on a high-school study program in Israel during this year’s celebrations made me realize once again how Israeli Purim is a surprising, even startling experience for those who have never experienced it. That’s true even for someone who has been receiving an excellent Jewish education in the Diaspora.

It doesn’t appear that the popularity of the holiday has diminished with our growing sophistication and global exposure.

From the beginning of the month of Adar, children and adults feel comfortable wearing costumes and clown makeup in the street. My teenage cousin assumed that the young woman in a bridal gown was indeed getting married.

Where else but in our integrated culture would you see that the local toy store is running a sale on costumes of King David, the high priest and zombies? Tzohar rabbis organized public readings in community centers across the country; women’s readings and family readings flourished in synagogues.