In His Steps - Day 11

After Palm Sunday at Christ Church, the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East, Jose and I looked forward to joining in the festivities of Purim at sunset. We relied on a Google-translated sign to locate a place where we could hear the Megilla, or Book of Esther, being read. Upon arrival, we encountered an unusual refreshment table stocked with cookies, soda, whiskey, and vodka, as getting drunk is part of celebration. The reading was slightly delayed as they waited for a minimum of 10 Jewish attendees, since we couldn’t be counted.

During Purim, the entire Book of Esther is traditionally read from a scroll, with one individual ensuring every word is meticulously pronounced. As the story unfolded, detailing Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews and Esther's heroic intervention, the crowd's reactions were lively, with boos, chair banging, and joyful cries punctuating the reading.

After the reading concluded, Jose and I decided to enjoy some fish and chips in the Jewish Sector. After hearing a loud commotion, we stepped outside and were greeted by the sight of about 50 boys running into the courtyard, dancing and singing for the next five to ten minutes. Meanwhile, other children were throwing firecrackers, and girls dressed as bees passed by.

The following morning, while on a walk at 7:30 AM, I was surprised to hear loud music and see a packed crowd at the Tower of David still dancing at a party that started the night before. We then went to an incredible parade featuring marionette puppets hanging from cranes, individuals riding on a Pegasus and a lion, and musicians on porches paying tribute as a sign counting the number of days the hostages have been held drove by. Many people dress in costumes during Purim as a reminder of how God works behind the scenes in our lives, as Esther is the only book in the Bible where he is not explicitly mentioned.

We then took the tram and the bus to explore the Bible Lands and Israel museums, discovering incredible artifacts dating back over 8000 years. I even purchased a scroll of Esther to read as we celebrate Purim next year.

Our final night in Jerusalem concluded with a remarkable laser projection show at the Tower Fortress of David, depicting the rich history of the city. However, amidst the celebrations, there were instances of excessive drinking leading to altercations, promptly resolved by soldiers, both on foot and on horseback.

To cap off the evening, we celebrated in our own way with a visit to the Fry King, known for their exceptional fry skills. Tomorrow, we plan to rent a car and visit Joppa before heading home to Fresno.

Reflection: Think of a time when God had worked behind the scenes to save you from trouble. 

‭‭Esther‬ ‭9‬:‭28‬ ‭”These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.“

Photo List:
1-3 The reading of the scroll of Esther.
4-5 All night dancing and celebration.
6-10 The parade.
11 A model of Jerusalem at Jesus’s time at the Israel Museum, which is 1:50 scale and 90‘ x 120‘.
12 The scroll I bought.
13-14 The light show at the Tower of David.
15 The Fry King Rules!