Published: 20 March, 2008, 23:51
Edited: 20 March, 2008, 23:51
Jewish people around the world are celebrating Purim, one of the most important holidays in the religious calendar. The occasion has a particular resonance with Russian worshippers.
The most joyous of Jewish holidays, Purim marks the salvation of the Jewish people during their time in exile in Persia more than 2,000 years ago.
As the rabbi relates Queen Esther's heroic attempts to save her people, the congregation boos Haman, the evil vizier who wanted to annihilate the Jewish race.
It’s the one day when boisterousness is allowed inside the synagogue and people exchange gifts, dress up in costumes, and give to the poor.
Purim is celebrated in Russia in much the same way as in any other country.
In Israel it’s mostly religious people who celebrate Purim, but in Russia it unites all Jewish people.
The country has always had a sizeable minority of Jews, who've suffered discrimination. The Tsars forced them to live outside the major cities, and millions were specifically targeted in Stalin's purges.
In Soviet times Purim didn't officially exist. It was mostly marked at home. Today Russian Jews have freedom to congregate as they wish.
So many revellers can finally celebrate openly something that they had to hide for decades.
Although many of Russia’s cultural and business leaders are Jewish, no one would pretend that Jews no longer suffer at least casual racism in Russia.
But when they compare their fate to that of their ancestors, there is some reason to cheer.