Purim Dress Up
Object number
2023.4.5
Donor
St Alban's Masorti Synagogue
- Object Information
This image shows members of the St Alban’s Masorti community at a community celebration for the festival of Purim.
The Masorti movement is a stream of Judaism which is traditional with a modern outlook. Masorti services are often egalitarian, which means women take on the same leadership roles as men within the synagogue and services.
The festival of Purim is celebrated around February/March, on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar, and celebrates the story of Esther. This story took place 2,400 years ago in Persia. It tells of how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai saved the Jewish people from persecution. Esther was married to King Ahasuerus and the King’s advisor, Haman was intent on annihilating the whole of the Jewish people. Queen Esther hid her Jewish identity so that she was able to save her people. It is because of this, that it is traditional for Jewish people to dress in fancy dress. This tradition also comes from the idea of the hidden presence of G-d within the story of Esther; G-d’s name is never mentioned but still present. Purim is also often celebrated with fancy dress parties, plays and dancing within communities.
- Hear from the donor
This image was donated by St Alban’s Masorti Synagogue.
How does this image represent your Jewish identity? Why is this image important to you?
‘Honouring our sense of tradition while recognising our place in 21st Century’
In three words, what does Judaism mean to you?
‘Tradition, Continuity, Respect’
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