The Victims of Arab Terror Organization (VAT) will commemorate the Fast of Esther tomorrow at the Western Wall in "sackcloth and ashes," together with relatives of victims of Arab terrorism.
"Just as in the original Purim miracle," stated VAT founder Shifra Hoffman, "when Mordechai and Esther pleaded to G-d to change the evil decree against the Jews of Persia, we call upon all Jews, regardless of their level of religious observance, to join together at the Western Wall on this sacred day and petition for G-d's Divine intervention to prevent the ominous disengagement from bringing disaster to the Land of Israel."
The very festive and joyous holiday of Purim begins as the fast ends, tomorrow evening at sundown, and will last until the onset of the Sabbath on Friday evening. Purim is not a public holiday in Israel, but many offices, shops, and public institutions will operate on a reduced basis. Schools will be closed, but public transportation will operate as usual. In many places in Israel, Purim is marked by special parades, the most famous of which takes place in Tel Aviv. Many kindergartens, schools, synagogues, and towns will also host special Purim parties and carnivals.
In honor of the festive reading of the Megillah tomorrow night, the basketball competition between European champion Maccabi Tel Aviv and the visiting Zaghreb team will be postponed by 20 minutes. By request of many religiously-traditional fans, as well as Tel Aviv coach Pinny Gershon, the opening whistle will be blown only at 9 PM, to allow time for both the Megillah and basketball.
Arutz-7 news will not be e-delivered on Friday.
In Jerusalem, the holiday will last until Sunday evening, with the day's "commandments" being distributed over the three days: The Book of Esther will be read and gifts to the poor will be distributed on Friday; a special Torah reading and the Al HaNissim prayer will be recited on the Sabbath; and the festive meal will be held and food gifts distributed on Sunday.
For more information on the history, customs and joy of Purim, see Jacob Richman's special Purim site.
"Just as in the original Purim miracle," stated VAT founder Shifra Hoffman, "when Mordechai and Esther pleaded to G-d to change the evil decree against the Jews of Persia, we call upon all Jews, regardless of their level of religious observance, to join together at the Western Wall on this sacred day and petition for G-d's Divine intervention to prevent the ominous disengagement from bringing disaster to the Land of Israel."
The very festive and joyous holiday of Purim begins as the fast ends, tomorrow evening at sundown, and will last until the onset of the Sabbath on Friday evening. Purim is not a public holiday in Israel, but many offices, shops, and public institutions will operate on a reduced basis. Schools will be closed, but public transportation will operate as usual. In many places in Israel, Purim is marked by special parades, the most famous of which takes place in Tel Aviv. Many kindergartens, schools, synagogues, and towns will also host special Purim parties and carnivals.
In honor of the festive reading of the Megillah tomorrow night, the basketball competition between European champion Maccabi Tel Aviv and the visiting Zaghreb team will be postponed by 20 minutes. By request of many religiously-traditional fans, as well as Tel Aviv coach Pinny Gershon, the opening whistle will be blown only at 9 PM, to allow time for both the Megillah and basketball.
Arutz-7 news will not be e-delivered on Friday.
In Jerusalem, the holiday will last until Sunday evening, with the day's "commandments" being distributed over the three days: The Book of Esther will be read and gifts to the poor will be distributed on Friday; a special Torah reading and the Al HaNissim prayer will be recited on the Sabbath; and the festive meal will be held and food gifts distributed on Sunday.
For more information on the history, customs and joy of Purim, see Jacob Richman's special Purim site.