March 19, 2007 / 29 Adar 5767

Children, along with their parents, friends and members of the local communities, joined together in the absorption center to celebrate the holiday of Purim. For the Ethiopian olim, this was the first time ever that they celebrated – or for that matter – had ever heard of, Purim. This shy and modest community was separated from the remainder of world Jewry shortly after the destruction of the First Temple. For this reason, Jewish holidays marking events that occurred after this time, namely, Purim and Chanukah, were unknown to them.

In addition, for those who read the Megillah carefully, it is stated that during King Ahashaverosh's reign the Persian Empire extended from "Hodu VeAd Kush," what is known today as India to Ethiopia. The "Beta Yisrael," the Ethiopian olim who lived in a specific region those many years ago and made aliyah in the 1980s, were informed of Haman's degree to kill all of the Jews, but somehow missed hearing that the war had been won! Their custom, before being reunited with mainstream Jewry just a few years ago, was to fast for 3 days – and this wasn’t succeeded by the Purim feast!

We are grateful that they are here now with us, so that we can celebrate together, as one people!