Purim at Ford Hood

Editor’s Note: I hope this starts a trend. Maj. (Ret) Edith Freyer sent me the following, complete with photos, of Purim festivities at Fort Hood. In spite of a recent misunderstanding broadcast by someone new to the Fort Hood Jewish community, this article demonstrates that the on-post community is a welcoming bunch. Other installation lay leaders and chaplains are encouraged to submit write-ups of their own communities for Jews in Green!

The West Fort Jewish Chapel celebrated Purim on Monday, March 9, 2009. Forty nine members and friends of the Jewish Military Community enjoyed food, drink and the traditional reading of The Book of Esther [Megillah].

Purim, Hebrew for “lots,” is a festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people of ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther. According to the story, Haman cast lots to determine the day upon which to exterminate the Jews.

Purim is characterized by public recitation of the Book of Esther, giving mutual gifts of food and drink, giving charity to the poor, and a celebratory meal. Other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.

Jewish exiles from the Kingdom of Judah who had been living in the Babylonian captivity (6th Century BCE) found themselves under Persian rule after Babylonia was conquered by the Persian Empire. According to the Book of Esther, Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerus, planned to kill the Jews, but his plans were foiled by Esther, the queen.

Mordecai, a palace official and cousin and foster parent of Esther, subsequently replaced Haman. The Jews were delivered from being the victims of an evil decree against them and were instead allowed by the King to destroy their enemies, and the day after the battle was designated as a day of feasting and rejoicing.