Looking Back

from DJN February 25, 2021

Celebrity Jews

From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History

accessible at www.djnfoundation.org

Happy Purim!

Purim begins tonight, Thursday, for “Purim Time is Fun.” Or see the Feb. Feb. 25, the 14th day of Adar. 24, 1956, issue that lists all the Purim This is the really fun holiday that celebrations across Detroit, from Temple celebrates the survival of the Jews after Israel to Young Israel. Queen Esther and Mordechai thwart- Over the years, the JN has also pubed a plot by Haman, the royal vizier to lished what can be considered “Purim the Persian King, to kill all the Jews in primers.” For example, see Elizabeth ancient Persia in the 4th century BCE. Applebaum’s “Happy Purim” summary In short, Purim commemorates survival of the holiday in the March 9, 2006, JN, for Jews and a victory over or her “Happy Days are Here Again” prejudice and antisemitism. (Feb. 26, 1999). There are also more Celebrating Purim practical articles such as “Making a includes costumes, read- Purim Costume Safe” (March 2, 1990). ings of the Megillah, boo- Purim celebrations have changed with ing and hissing at Haman’s the impact of modern societal influences

Mike Smith name and, of course, after such as radio and television, or wars and

Alene and Graham Landau fasting, munching some economic strife and, most recently, the

Archivist Chair hamantashen and, perhaps, digital world. For example, see “Purim some kreplach. It also on the Internet” in the March 2, 2001, mandates acts of charity. It is a joyous issue of the JN. This was a very prescient holiday. article.

The William Davidson Digital Archive The real fun reading begins when, of Jewish Detroit History offers proof after the 1980s, the JN began to print of Purim’s rank as a holiday with 7,464 more photos as well as add more color mentions. Every year, from 1916 to pres- to its pages. “Hooray for ent, the Chronicle and the JN have carried Purim” features photos stories and announcements for Purim of the children from celebrations. Most of the reading is a lot Akiva Hebrew Day School of fun. (March 3, 1994) or see

Not all the Purim reports are joyful. In Noa and Eitan Pergament the first mention of Purim in the March in their Purim costumes 17, 1916, issue of the Jewish Chronicle, the (Feb. 25, 2010). There are editorial “Purim 5675,” notes a paradox: also great photos from celthe suffering of many Jews during WWI ebrations at Beth Shalom while American Jews enjoyed “a period (March 31, 2005), Shaarey of unprecedented prosperity and prog- Zedek (March 24, 2003) ress.” and Chabad’s Richardson

During World War II, in the March Center (March 28, 2003). 19, 1943, issue of the JN, read “The Perhaps the most colorful of Inner Meaning of Purim” by Abraham all was Shaarey Zedek’s “Purim Burstein, or the more sobering “Our Last Extravaganza” announcement Purim” by Judge Louis Levinthal, presi- two years ago (Feb. 22, 2018). dent of the Zionists of America, speak- I think we all could use a bit of fun ing about 10 years of Hitler in power in after a rough 2020. Happy Purim! Germany as a contemporary Haman.

But, most of the Purim readings match the holiday’s spirit. On Feb., 27, 1953, the JN published the music and lyrics more photos as well as add more color Akiva Hebrew Day School Noa and Eitan Pergament (Feb. 25, 2010). There are also great photos from cel(March 31, 2005), Shaarey Perhaps the most colorful of all was Shaarey Zedek’s “Purim Extravaganza” announcement two years ago (Feb. 22, 2018).