The Jewish Community of Braşov celebrated in March ?Purim?, the Jewish feast of joy. Opening the event, Tiberiu Roth, president of the Jewish Community of Braşov, remarked that the feast reminds a thrillerlike story, containing love, treason and a happy-end.
Esther and Mordechai
Purim?s story, succeeded 2300 years ago, is written in the Esther?s Book; Jewish must listen it on this occasion. The heroes are Esther, a young woman from Persia, and Mordechai, her elder uncle, who had fostered her. Achasverus, the king of Persia, grew angry against his wife, during a wild feast, and ordered his guards to kill her. Looking for a new wife, the king falls in love with Esther and finally takes her as his wife, without knowing she was a Jewish. The negative character is embodied by Haman, one of the king?s counsellors, who hates Jewish. He plans to destroy them all, because Mordechai, Esther?s uncle, refused to worship him.
Humentaschen
The meaning of the word Purim is ?lot? alluding to the draw by lot procedure chosen by Haman to decide the day to exterminate the Jewish. Purim is considered the most pleasant feast of the Judaism. On this occasion people use to wear masks, organise carnivals, perform plays on stage, everybody must a have o good time, eating cookies. A special one is Humentaschen (Haman?s pockets). Those little triangular cookies, filled with jam, poppy seeds, honey and nuts, are a gastronomic replica of Haman?s three cornered heat.
The Fountain of Life
The Synagogue of Braşov hosted on this occasion a spectacular show performed by the community?s chorus and the vocal band ?Yahat? (Together), which members offered a cheery moment, disguised in various characters, according to the tradition.
The chorus?s members also presented a film shot in Rishon le Zion, a town twinned with Braşov ten years ago. The chorus was accompanied by George Scripcaru, the mayor of Braşov, who admired the town and its heraldic ? a fountain representing life. ?Celebrating Purim ten years after the twinning ceremony of Braşov and Rishon le Zion, reinforce the feast?s meaning as a celebration of life? Tiberiu Roth stated.
The Presents? Bag
A notorious costume related to this feast is ?the food bag? containing presents for the poor families. Every family offer to another a bag with food. Poor people are offered presents and money, giving themselves gifts to other indigent people. According to costume, all the participants to the feast receive traditional little cookies after the religious service celebrated at the Synagogue.
