Purim, Get Your Shtick On

Today marks the first day of the Jewish holiday of Purim. Purim is a pretty boisterous holiday involving getting dressed up in masks and makeup and using noisemakers in temple during the reading of the Book of Esther. It has been compared to both Halloween and Mardi Gras. The holiday celebrates the liberation from Haman's plot to destroy the Jews.

The highlight of the holiday (like most Jewish holidays) is the food. On Purim it is traditional to eat hamantaschen, which are triangular pastries filled with prunes, dates , or apricots. They are available in most bakeries and are delicious. Here's a recipe if you can't find them. Like Halloween, there are stores specifically dedicated (at least this time of year) to Purim: