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The Conversation USA

Purim spiels: Skits and satire have brought merriment to an ancient Jewish holiday in America

  • Written by Zev Eleff, President and Professor of American Jewish History, Gratz College
imageA theater performance during the Purim holiday in Warszawa, Poland.Photograph by Henryk Kotowski, CC BY

Purim, the springtime Jewish holiday packed with much merriment and humor, recalls the biblical story of Queen Esther.

In this tale, the queen stayed true to her Jewish roots and used her status to sway her husband, King Achashverosh, to defend...

Read more: Purim spiels: Skits and satire have brought merriment to an ancient Jewish holiday in America

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