DAY SIXTEEN

Another small digression from my semi-chronological pandemic years. Tonight is the start of the Jewish holiday of Purim where we read the biblical story of Esther and how she saved the Jewish people from destruction (once again). It is a joyful holiday with costumes and carousing. I always think of it as a Mardí Gras like celebration in a still somewhat cold and often gray month. But remember, Spring is not far behind.

These are shadow puppets I made to dramatize the story of Esther. I don’t have a video of the actual puppet play so I am just posting still photos of the puppet scenes.

Here are Esther and her Uncle Mordechai at the gate to the royal palace.
Vashti is the current queen
When the king summons you, you gotta go. Vashti is dismissed from the court in disgrace for being rebellious (Go Vashti!) and the king looks for a new queen.
Ut oh…
Why won’t he bow down to me?!
Gee, that sounds dangerous!
Meanwhile…”How we gonna get rid of this guy Mordechai and all his people?“
“Hmmmm”, says the king
Esther becomes the new queen and gets to speak with the king. “Touch my scepter” he says, and I will listen to what you have to say.
“You’re a liar and a creep!”
Guess the plan backfired. Mordechai is honored instead of Haman. A woman throws her slops on Haman’s head. YUK!
Mordechai becomes the honored and trusted counselor to the king and the Jews are saved from extermination.

THE END!

HAPPY PURIM!

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5 thoughts on “DAY SIXTEEN”

  1. Thanks Alice, I made them a long time ago. It took hours and hours to design them, cut them out and piece together the parts so that they moved well. A true labor of love! Happy Purim!

  4. Madeleine Winfield's avatar Madeleine Winfield says:

    And again. I just love this. Happy Purim to you and all. I was just describing Purim as a Jewish Mardi gras to another friend. Brava.

  5. Madeleine Winfield's avatar Madeleine Winfield says:

    I am delighted. Great start to my day. A little bit of a smug smile on my face. Gorgeous clowning. What exquisite skill.

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