The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-24
CELEBRATION OF PURlM.
LAWS or THE MEDEs IND PERsIiNS
UHTCH ALTERED NOT


drcn's Festival Romantic story Of Easter
The BnIl TO Take Place This Evening ai
Bclvidcrc Hall.
The feast of Purn was ushercd in yesier-
day by services at the Beth Ahaba synasosn"
OF O'Clock in the evening.
They were conducted by Mr.. T. Bothe-
himer. who has acccptably oficia'ed since
Dr. A. Harris death. and were commenced 10y
the reading Of tho Meeillah, which IN Eng
hsh is the Book Of Esther.
This was followed 10y the usual evening
service which Is held inthc synagogue Friday
The feast comes this year in the leap-yeor
month. ,,o.. a..
lunar system. hence every four years they
have 10 add a month SO that the calendar con
be kept correct. ,
To-day IN their calendar IS the 18th day Of
The month Of Adar-Shezi. IN the year 3h3A
II was for a long time question with di@-
tinpuished rabhis as To the prOpuctv of allow
ing the Book of Esther 10 be part Of the 81
bic.
II is the only book in that work that does
not in some place mention the Almighty.
In Esther there isno mention ot Jehovah
il is merely historical record, and II can Doe
said is borne out by writings Of men OF that
period.
STORY OF EsTHER.
The story of Esther is a delightful and
charming piece Of rOmancng. only al the END
St become drama and TIA cedy.
Ahasuerus the King Of the Modes and Per
Hans about FIVE hundred and iwcnif-onc
years before Christ, gave feast IN the thru
year Of his reign.
After the fete had been rendered the
princes and mobiles. a feast was made unto
all the people that were present m Shusham.
the palace. both unto the great and small ID
the court Of the garden Of the palace
In this place there were white. green and
blue hangings fastened with cords Of fine
linen and purple 10 silver rings and pillows Of
marble
pavement Of red and blue. and white and
black marble, besides which was alaoasteI
and pOrphyty.
Each drank from n vessel Of gold the yes,
sells being diverse. one from anpthcr-and
royal wine was quaffed in abundance.
HIS HEART MERRY.
On the seventh day the heart of the King
was merry with wine. and he commanded
seven of his chamberains 10 bring Nashu.
the Queen, into his presence nude, SO that he
could show 20 the people her beauty.
Nashti refused and after considerable CONSUL
tation it was decided to dethrono Nashu and
b. crown woman more obedient.
Accordingly Esther was presented 10y her
uncle, MOrdecai.
She was an orphan a Jewess. and was
allowed TO purify herself for twelve months
with sweet odOrs and myrrh
When she presented herself before the
King she found favor IN his eyes. and he $40
the royal crown on her head instead of Nashtl.
Mordecai sat at the Kings gate, and one
day discovered plot 10 kill the King by two
Of his chambeTalus.
Modecai Immediately told his niece and
the men were hung on tree, and record
made in the book Of Chronicles.
Hannah, shortly after this event was made
a counsellor and soon after became the King
prime minister
As soon as he had ingratated himself sufi-
ciently with the King, he complained Of a
certain class Of people IN Persia the Jews
who did not keep the Kings laws nor ac-
knowledge him.
decree was accordingly sent ont 10y the
King that all the Jews in the kingdom should
be killed, young and old little children and
women, in one day; that day being the thlr-
teenth day of the twelfth month, which Is the
month Adar, and to take the spoil OF them tor
aprey."
RENT HIS CLOTHES.
When Mordecai learned OF these facts he
rent his clothes put on sack-clOth and ashes,
and cried loud and bitter
Esther was also exceedingly sOrrowful. and
after three days of fasting went before the
Ming WITH ntI ftiulihlIt tllhA llN nl4bu4A tl'tt
her people in such manner.
The King read the royal record that Nor
decai saved his life on one occasion. and when
Haman comes IN asks what should be done
for man that has found favor in the King 5
eyes.
Hannah. thinking that the King meant him,
said he should be appareled il the King gar
ments, he mounted on the Kings horse. and
herald go before and proclaim the deed
The King immediately sent Hannah and
made him put on Modecai the royal garments
and lead him through the streets.
That night-the day before the massacre
Esther entertained the King and Hannah at a
feast and again sues for her people.
Her husband sees through Humans treach-
cry, and on the galows the latter was 70 hang
Modecai on the morrow, was used IN the exc
cuiiOn of Haman.
But on the morrow a massacre took place,
and many hundreds were killed, &c..
the Book of Esther Ends with an eulOgy Of
Esther and the King.
Beth Ahaba Scholars.
At Sanger Hall yesterday afternoon the
scholars of Beth Ahaba synagogue We're given
a feast in celebration of the Purim feast
Fully two hundred and fifty scholars were
9reasant. and dancing was INDUCED IN all the
afternoon.
Cream and cakes, with other light refresh
ments We're served. and the little people en-
loved themselves very much
Mr.. Harry 5 HutLler Is superintendent of
the school. Mr. NJ Gunst assistantand Nh. ).
s. Whitlock. secretary.
Purim Ball.
Tonight at the Belvidere a ball in honor Of
the feast will be given 10y the jefferson Liter
airy and Social Circle
Fancy costumes are usually the only kind
worn, and the affairs are ALWAYS marked by
brllhancy and beauty.
Mr.. w. ii. zimmerman Will furnish a
tempting supper.
Mr.. Moses STEMS orchestra will play, and
the evening will doubtless prove ENJOYABLE to
1ll who attend.
MASONIC MATTERS.