Why is Purim the best holiday in Israel, you ask? Well there are a few reasons!

First, it is a weeklong celebration. “But Purim is just one day!” you say? Yes, you are right, but in Israel, we know how to party. For a week J

It all starts in primary school where during the week before the actual day of Purim – we have “theme” days in school. Every day, for a week, we come to school dressed up in a different theme! For example – PJ’s day, Crazy hats day, angels day, devils day – you name it – we have it. Then on the actual day of Purim, we come to school in costume, exchange mishlochi manot (baskets full of candy) and have a party for the rest of the school day. Of course, it is so hard to party all the time that the schools in Israel have the day after Purim off.

Army time is no different! We do not have a week of themes for costumes, but we do dress up and have a very big party on base, yes, on base, with games for kids (soldiers that have kids can bring them on base for the party), food and music J

During University, Purim is also a weeklong event. There is a party almost every night leading up to Purim and every university has a big party on Purim for their students each trying to be better than the other.

At the university that I attended, Ben Gurion, on Purim, classes were stopped completely and we partied on campus for the whole day! There was a costume competition (prizes were great! An airline ticket for two to wherever you want in Europe!) Music, food and drinks, and just walking around seeing all the amazing costumes people come up with (a laundry hamper and a laundry machine for example). It is an awesome day!

One of the biggest events on Purim, aside from street parties all over Tel Aviv, and parties at all of the work places – is the Holon “Adloyada” Israel’s biggest Purim Parade! There are Purim Parades all over Israel, the biggest one in in Holon; with over 5,000 participants (in the parade alone!) and a few thousands as audience. This is the biggest attractions for families with children in Israel.

If there is one holiday that I would suggest celebrating in Israel at least once – it is Purim. There is no greater party then the ones on the streets of Tel Aviv, Holon and the rest of the country.

Have more questions? Email me at or.hmdetroit@gmail.com.

Until next time…

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