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What Happens When a Dictator Tries to Destroy the Jews? Purim Tells the Tale
The Twisted, Bloody, and Surprisingly Joyful Truth About Purim
It was a celebration. The crowd swelled with Jews and Gentiles alike, all gathered to witness the execution of ten men who had plotted against the Jewish people. The King had granted the Jews an extra day to round up their enemies, including the ten sons of the genocidal Haman.
As the crowd surged forward, drunk on anticipation, a loud crack echoed through the square. The hangman pulled the lever, and all ten figures dropped, wriggling and squirming on the end of the rope. A cheer erupted. The party began. An evil plot had been averted.
It was a gruesome end for one of Judaism’s greatest enemies.
But were all ten sons guilty? In the reading of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther), their names are listed in a single breath, as if even uttering them could bring a curse upon future generations.
Purim is by far the happiest celebration on the Jewish calendar — the only holiday where you’re encouraged to get drunk while praising G-d. Every mention of the villain, Haman, is met with loud boos, jeers, and a cacophony of noise. Adults are expected to drink a toast at every mention of his name.
