Purim: Customs and Rituals


“You can’t dance at two weddings with one behind” says an old Yiddish proverb, which is used in a slightly different way in Hebrew nowadays as “You can’t dance at two weddings in the same time”.

Last year, my grandmother celebrated her 90th birthday and we went to Germany for the celebration which happened to be exactly during Purim. My son was learning all about Purim, the Megillah, costumes and more at his Gan, but unfortunately we had to take off just before the holiday. While staying in Germany he continually asked if there will be Purim once we get back and if he can dress up as a firefighter this year. With a heavy heart I had to explain him that the Purim party at the kindergarten won’t wait till we return and that he will have to wait until next year.

He couldn’t dance at two parties in the same time.

A year has passed, and it’s almost Purim. This year he can finally dress up as firefighter Sam, 3 times at least, with all the parties we have been invited (so far).

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. Not only for kids. You all may know about reading the Megillah, making noise and eating Hamentaschen, but there is one Purim custom for adults you may not know about – GETTING WASTED!

Ad-lo-yada – “until he doesn’t know”

The Aramic word explains how drunk Jews are obligated to get: so drunk that they can’t tell the difference between Haman the cursed and Mordecai the blessed.

Adloyada became the official name for the annual Purim parades in different cities in Israel. Costume parties throughout the country happening at the same time.

Here are some pictures from 1934 and 1959 I stumbled upon, from “Adloyadas” in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv.

Jewish holiday, Purim parade, Adloyada

Purim parades, Adloyada, in 1934 and 1959 – www.nostal.co.il

If you scroll down you can also watch a video from Purim in Tel-Aviv, 1934.

Wishing you all a joyful and happy Purim, if you need some last minute Mishloach Manot tags download them here for free.

25% off entire shop

And last but not least, “ad-lo-yada”, is also our discount code to receive 25% off our entire shop at www.thesabrapatch.com. (NO, WE ARE NOT DRUNK YET).

25% off entire shop, Isralove, Jewish gifts


Ruth Winkler
About me

Founder & designer at Isralove, passionate about typography, Hebrew letters, Israeli art and handmade home decor. Graphic designer since 2008 and amateur photographer.

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