Purim

So, my new favorite holiday in Israel is Purim. There are a number of reasons for this. 1- People dress up in awesome costumes (Ultra-orthodox Jews included). 2- People give out free treats. 3- I don't have class and 4- (best of all) EVERYTHING is still open and the BUSSES STILL RUN!

The other coolest thing about going about it here in Jerusalem is that only half of the people in the picture on the left are dressed up for Purim. The guy in the robe always wears it!

For everyone out there that doesn't know anything about Purim- it is the celebration of Esther's saving the Jewish people in her city from the evil machinations of a guy named Haman. (boooooo) <--- what everyone does during the reading of the Book of Esther during the festival whenever Haman's name is read. They also make as much noise as possible with "groggers" (specially made noise makers) and any other means possible. His name is mention 54 times during the story...lots of interruptions to the reading.

Today the celebration has become almost a mix between Carnival (complete with the usual lack of decorum and "adultness" in Sao Paolo, if what I hear about what happens in Tel Aviv is true...) and Halloween (without the creepy, nastiness and devilry present in the states).


This Tweety-Bird was waiting at a random bus stop.







This giraffe was part of a complete troupe who went around dancing on their stilts.