The Grinch who stole Purim

March 23, 2005 - 5:00 PM by David Brinn

Kids in Israel look forward to Purim the whole year. It’s Mardi Gras, Carnival, and Halloween rolled into one, and teenagers have as much fun as first graders.

My two teenage daughters (16 and 13) had big plans this year. Both their schools were having big masquerade parties today (the last day of school before a four-day vacation). Then tonight, they were going to an all-night gathering of their youth group – where the oldest is a counselor and the youngest a member. These good clean fun events are for some reason called in Hebrew – layla lavan ‘white night’.

Perhaps it’s because with the light of day, they then head off for an organized day long jaunt from Jerusalem to the North, returning late at night, making for a 24 hour fun-filled event.

But just like the twists and turns of the Megilla which is read on Purim, the girls’ plans took an unexpected detour when, yesterday morning, they both woke up with sore throats and fevers.

A quick trip to the doctor confirmed a bacterial infection (strep throat) and a heavy duty dose of antibiotics. So now, their Purim is a stay home, dress down day.

On my way home tonight, I’ll buy them chocolate oznai haman -hamentashen – (that thank God they started to make in other flavors besides poppy a few years ago), and I’ll stop off to buy a scary mask at one of the dozens of outdoor kiosks selling Purim paraphernalia, and surprise them when I get home.

After all, just because the Grinch stole their Purim, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t steal it right back.

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