Ancient Festival of Purim Is a Joyous Jewish Occasion

The ancient festival of Purim, which commemorates the victory of an endangered Jewish community over its Persian enemies, will be observed this weekend. Generally, the occasion is accompanied by songs, dancing and special foods, and the Book of Esther, also known as the Megillah , is read in temples and synagogues.

In Jewish tradition, about 2,500 years ago, a man named Haman, who had just become the chief adviser to Persia’s King Ahasveros, was upset because Mordecai, a leader of the Jewish community, had refused to bow down before him, as decreed by the king to honor Haman’s elevation. Notified of this, the king declared that such disobedience deserved severe punishment, and Haman made preparations to have all the Jews in the kingdom killed. He drew lots ( Purim is Hebrew for lots) to determine the day the Jews should be destroyed.

Fortunately for the Jews in Persia, the niece of Mordecai, whose name was Esther, had just become the king’s favorite wife. At the risk of her own life, she revealed her ancestry and pleaded for the lives of her countrymen. The king was moved, but according to law, a royal decree of that type could not be countermanded. So the king issued another decree, giving the Jews permission to defend themselves, and on the fatal day, Haman and his cohorts were defeated. Haman himself ended up on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai.

Today, Jewish girls dress up as Queen Esther, while boys take on the roles of Mordecai or Ahasveros--hardly anybody ever wants to play Haman. Women bake Hamantaschen (Haman’s Purses--pastries filled with prunes or other fruit and folded over to resemble Haman’s hat). Children always look forward to the rattling of groggers (noisemakers) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned during the reading of the Purim story.

Because Purim has become one of the most joyful festivals on the Jewish calendar, many places of worship and Jewish community centers are planning festivities for children and adults. Admission is free to parents and children. Here are a few of them, all scheduled for Sunday:

Hollywood Temple Beth El--1317 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 656-3150. Purim carnival 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Games for children and a country store for adult shoppers. Ethnic foods. Raffle, with a television set and a stereo system as top prizes.

Temple Judea--5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana, (818) 342-3177. Community carnival 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Rides, games, food and prizes.

Stephen S. Wise Temple--15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive (off Mulholland Drive), West Los Angeles, (213) 476-8561 or (818) 788-4778. Animals will be a major attraction at this year’s Purim carnival, with elephant and pony rides and a petting zoo, Also games, a raffle for Toys R Us gift certificates, and food from falafel to grilled chicken and from cookies to Hamantaschen (a traditional pastry). Adults can visit a country boutique and buy raffle chances for a 1958 vintage Corvette and a IBM PC with color monitor. Megillah reading 10:30 a.m. Carnival 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Children are asked to come in costume.

Westside Jewish Community Center--5870 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 938-2531. Hours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For children: moon bounce, carnival booths, face-painting, mime shows, mask and grogger making, and a costume parade. For adults: a Yiddish film sing-along and a Lower East Side pushcart alley with fabulous bargains. Food includes Russian delicacies, assorted luncheon items and desserts. Free parking.

Wilshire Boulevard Temple--3663 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 388-2401. Carnival hours 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Events include a re-enactment of the story of Esther, strolling musicians, rides, games, gift booths, puppet shows and holiday foods.

Adat Ari El--5540 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood, (818) 766-9426. “Yarid ‘89” features such traditional Purim fare as Hamantaschen, other foods, games, rides, petting zoo and special carnival for preschoolers from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Raffle grand prize is a 1989 Ford Probe GL.

Temple Beth Zion-Sinai--6440 Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood, (213) 429-0715. Havurah groups will sponsor the Purim carnival from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Game and food booths; Hamantaschen will be available, along with falafel and hot dogs.

Hollywood-Los Feliz Jewish Community Center--1110 Bates Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 663-2255. Purim carnival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature moon bounce, game booths, crafts, rides, food and entertainment. A costume parade at 12:30 p.m. will be followed by a Purim play and Megillah reading. Anyone in costume will receive five Purim dollars redeemable for prizes.