The evening times., 1896-02-28
PRAISES FOR QUEEN ESTHER
Washington Hebrews Celebrate an
Ancient Religious Festival.
Services at the SynagOgues on Eighth
and Sixth Streets-Rabbi Stern's
Sermon.

The feast OF Purini was fittingly observed
In this city last night ond this morning ana
willbe continued at the Washington Hebrew
congregation tonight. Both the orthodox
and reformed Hebrews celebrate this feast,
which has many interesting and beautiful
features. This is q time OF the year when
each Hebrew gives presents to bis neigh
Dor, and also remembers the poor by
donation.
1t is the anniversary OF the 14th OF the
Hebrew month Cidar. and the solcmnization
first began nearly 2,400 years ago. The
hero is not man, but woman. and nearly
every Hebrew in Washington today is
singing the praises OF Queen Esther, who
saved the Jewish race from destruction.
The congregation of Adas Israel Syna-
gogue began it's celebration yesterday
and being orthodox observed 1t as OF old
by the usual fast, which preceded the
services Iastt night in the synagogue at
Sixth and G streets. Rabbi Samuels
conducted the exercises and read the
Megilo, which rehearses the story of
King Ahasuerus. Queen Esther and Haaman.
In addition to the service the members OF
the congregation made presents to their
friends and offerings for the poor. This
IDOIDlDS tIe VI tbS 1Sosp was
continued from $50 O'Clock to 8 and
was similar to that Of last night.
Rabbi Stern of the Washington Hebrew
congregation began his servicee last night
In. the synagogue on Eighth street. His
sermon in addition to a reading OF the
Megilo dealt with the persecution OF
the Jew at that time and. will continue
on that line at the service tonight.
The feast of Purim is memorable day.
The word Purim is Persian, and means
LOTS for on the 18th day of Adar the
Hebrews, living in the greatest empire
of antiquity -Medo-P crsia-were to be
destroyed.
Shortly after the destruction of the first
temple, about 2,4O0 years ago, there sat
upon the throne King Abasuerus. whose
wife was Queen Esther, and the minister
was Haaman Haagagi, the Amalekite. The
Jews and Amalekites were enemies by
birth, and Mordecai, Jew, refused TO
bow to Haaman. the Amalekite. The cour-
tiers saw and wondered. The question was
asked, "Mordecai, why don't you kneel
before Haaman?" The answer was re-
turned, because I am Jehudi." Haa-
man resolved that the Jews should be de-
stroyed, and. as advisor TO Ahasuerus, told
the king his plans and secured his assent.
But he forgot that Queen Esther was Jew
ess. She saw the calamity that was to fall
upon her people, and after fasting and
prayer resolved to save them.
Dressed in the rich attire Of an Oriental
sultana she repaired to Ahasuerus and asked
him and Haaman to n banquet. After feast
ing and wine had done its work, then
Queen Esther struck the decisive blow. She
accused Haaman of persecution and pleaded
with the king to spare her people. Ahas-
uerus was susceptible to her cntreaties and
listened while she talked. At the conclu-
sion he pointed to the scaffold and said:
Hang Haaman there" Haaman was
was executed and Mordecai became prime
minister. and thus the tribes of Israel were
saved.
tits the fast of Queen Esther and the feast
of Purim that commentaries the event.