This evening, Jews around the world will eat Hamenstachen, dress their children in costumes, shake noisemakers, and celebrate the courage and bravery of Queen Esther. In some places carnivals will be held (poster pictured below was prepared by a Bar Mitzvah boy for a carnival in Potomac Maryland).
For many Jews, the holiday of Purim involves more than reading the biblical Book of Esther (the "megillah")--it is a time to share with others, give baskets of treats to friends, and food to the poor. Thanks to generous donors, JRNU provided 100,000 gift packages to the Jews of Ukraine, allowing them to celebrate with millions of Jews in the United States, Israel, Europe and elsewhere. Chag Sameach!
