The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-21
PURIM.


ITS oBsERvANCEs AND PRACTICAL RESULTS
MIRTH AND BENEvoIENCE ASSOCIATED.
Yesterday the Jewish least OF Purim was re-
ligiousy observed in all the synagogues OF the
land, ana especially OF this CITY, where there are
about 10000 lsraelites. To-day, however, 1t will
be observed q little differently. Beginning as 1t
does the Sabbath Saturday, limit is neces-
sarlly imposed upon the hghtnear edness and JOY
and merry making that usually accompany this fes-
tival This restraint will to some extent be re moved
to-day, though Israelites are, 10 very remarka-
BILE degree, respectfully observant OF the Christian
Sabbath as well as oil their own. Although up
ward OF two thousand years have elapsed since
the incidents recorded in the Book OF Esther took
place, the feast Is observed to this day with the
same JOYOUS feeling that characterized 1t from the
tine when Mordecai and Esther united to recon.
mend Its observance because OF the merciful in
terposltion OF Providence In behalf OF their race
ses nsope sne wasea Ma%an when
o,ner religious bodies have tneir anniver-
sarles to record some remarkaDie event I'll, IL
they lall to continue that hold on their members
wnIcn they did at the commencement. Not SO
with Purinl. 1t is gratifying SAYS the Jetcesh
Messenger, to know That, Whatever dinerences
may exist among IsraelItes relative to the cere-
monies OF relig on one objects to the lnstI,u-
ZION oil Purim. IL demands no selidenial. or
course they are called upon to follow The act or
esther, WHO lasted three days when tue Jews
day previous to the feast. But tnis h not very
generally observed, nor do many attend syna-
gogue TO pour iortn their grateful feeling 10 the
One who has at all times rescued Israel from the
hands OF their oppressors.
Purim MARKS rs 1t were, the dividing line De-
tween winter and spring. and IL one Of the merrf-
est festivals which Jewish his DRY or tradition has
transmitted 10 later ages. IL Is the only festival
where uli license Is given TO extravaganza OF
mefriment and there can hardly be any DOUBT OF
the close connection between it-that Is, In the
peculiar mode OF It's celebratiOn--and the baccna-
nalIan festivities in ancient time and the modern
aduiation OF Prince Carnival. The Jelcish Times
would not care to undertake the delenee Of the
story upon which this festival Is based Il ON his
torical criticism but Is content to take the ACT =
as 1T finds them IN the universal observance
OF the least Great as the latitude is
which the Jewish law permits In the observance o.
Purim, IL still bears the distinct character pc
leuce, charity and Rood will toward ali men Its
chief feature. Distribution OF presents to neigh
bors and friends gardening the hearts OF ina
needy and poor, participation OF all IN the gen
eral juoilation, are the features wn,cb distinguish
Purim rom all otder festivals. And the He0Seu
Leader ADDS that there are hundreds in our midst
| who need assistance, and whose Claims upon tue
sympathics OF fsraclltes cannot be disregarded IN
| the hour oil gladness. what rs lie but Purim-a
LOT SUBJECT to all the briet passions OF tne nouI-
| now In sackclotn and ashes, aud anon clad "a Wy
purple OF power; now at tne mercy OF tyranl an .
| parasites and anon placed beyond danger WIFI
| our toes ut our eetY -. 80,
The community had a forctaste OF Purir las'
week In the Academy ball which netted tho Iicr
| reward OF $4,000 for the poor. TODAY anu I'D