Purim

This month in Jewish history: The first permanent government of Israel

A highly abridged monthly version of Dust & Stars – Today in Jewish History.

DIZENGOFF SQUARE, named for the Tel Aviv founding father.
 An AI-generated illustrative image of US President Donald Trump being handed a parchment from the biblical Queen Esther as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hovering in the background.

2,500 years in the making: Are the Jews once again turning the tables on Iran?

 Departure of the Israelites 'Departure of the Israelites' by David Roberts, 1829.

Purim-Passover connection: Uniting the Jews, then building a nation - opinion

 The reading of the ‘Megillah.’

Purim celebrations: Deliverance, customs, and controversies - opinion


Rabbi who lost son in Gaza: 'Hamas wanted to destroy us, but they strengthened us'

Beyond the Headlines: A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

 Elai Berger, brother of kidnapped IDF soldier Agam Berger, is also seen here celebrating his bar mitzvah.

'South Africa came to attack Israel': Anti-Israel proposals defeated at IPU

Israel's delegation, led by MK Danny Danon, successfully stopped the attempt to pass both proposals, which were ultimately voted down. 

 MK Danny Danon at the annual IPU conferance

Purim makeup removal guide and skin soothing tips by Paula Blick

Guide for effectively removing Purim makeup and soothing facial skin with natural beautician Paula Blick's tips and two DIY skin-soothing recipes.

  Don't forget to remove your makeup before going to bed

Friday Fair Returns to KKL-JNF Street in Beersheba

Enjoy the revival of the Friday fair in Beershebas KKL-JNF with 30 stands, businesses, bars, restaurants, street musicians, and a farmers' market offering regional delights.

 KKL-Junk Street Fair in Beer Sheva

Police catch sex offenders dancing with minors during megillah reading

Officers operated during the holiday at Purim events, synagogues, main stages, places where minors had gathered, and crowd gatherings. 

 View of the Gilboa Prison December 5, 2022.

Both raucous and somber, New Yorkers celebrate the festive Jewish holiday of Purim

On Purim, revelers around the world dressed up in costumes referencing the hostages, including the yellow ribbons and hostage posters that have become symbols of campaign for their release.

 Children wear costumes during celebrations to mark the Jewish holiday of Purim, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S. March 7, 2023.

In Israel and beyond, Purim celebrations are tempered by trauma and thoughts of the hostages

The Jewish holiday, which is typically celebrated with joy and exuberance, saw much more subdued festivities this year in light of the Gaza war and concerns for hostages held by Hamas.

 Israelis of all ages enjoy Purim despite a drone attack earlier, Moshav Nov, Golan Heights on March 24, 2024.

Butterfly Lake Park in Karmiel organizes family activities for Purim

The Butterfly Park spans 15 dunams and features natural biotopes with 180 types of plants, including wildflowers and herbs designed to attract butterflies.


"Pitchon-Lev" and "Golda" ice creams at a huge event for Purim

The "Golda" ice cream company has mobilized for families and children in the circle of poverty, in cooperation with the "Pitchon-Lev" organization.

 As part of the event, the aid center was painted for one day with music, holiday decor and balloons

UK Jewish child doxxed for wearing IDF costume on Purim

The picture of the boy wearing a mock IDF paratrooper uniform and toy rifle as part of a traditional Purim masquerade and carnival was shared by accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers.

 An Israeli settler takes part in celebrations marking the Jewish holiday of Purim, as IDF soldiers patrol, in Hebron in the West Bank March 7, 2023.