Purim

So this week it was the Jewish Holiday of Purim, now the festival is over 1 day but here in Israel it seems to last all week, with parties and people dressing up.  If you're on my Facebook you will have undoubtedly seen me dressed up.  I decided to get into the spirit of things and try to enjoy myself.  

So something simple as a Superman top, with fake glasses and a proper shirt and voila Clark Kent/Superman... although according to a colleague at our office party I am the worst Clark Kent ever as I wasn't protecting my secret identity hehe...

Yes at work we had a party with games and an artist drawing pictures and food and it was cool, I think since I've been here and been working here I've not worked in an office that actively celebrates Purim and in fact you spend the whole morning doing so.  There was also the Mishloach Manot lottery.  Which was basically everyone had to get one and they would give theirs to the name they drew out of the hat and someone would give theirs to you and so on.  So pretty cool, although I now have lots of unhealthy snacks in the apartment and I'm trying to watch what I eat LOL.

For those who don't know Mishloach Manot or Purim basket is usually made up of food and drink and given to friends, family etc. as a gift.  I've actually seen people randomly stop cars and hand out these to people usually children because of the costume they are wearing.

As for Purim it’s the commemoration and story of the Jewish People being saved from Haman who was plotting to wipe all the Jews out and how he was stopped by Mordecai and Queen Esther. To remember the story of Megilla Esther is told every year at the Synagogues and it’s the one of the few times of year where synagogue at a festival is not a sombre or serious time it’s a celebration and during the reading when Haman's name is called out everyone is urged to make noise, be it banging their feet, booing or however you want to make noise... Yep it’s very much a party holiday.

Definitely cool to see people in costumes, I'm a little sad as I've felt excluded by people who could have included me in their plans to go to events that happened and it’s not fun to go to things by yourself, very much hiding in the corner when I'm on my own... sorry to be a little downer at the end but had to be said, it’s my blog and I'll vent if I want.

Otherwise life is good.