French Jews will celebrate the festivities of Purim. Fasting, prayers, readings, meals, and costumes—these two days allow practitioners to commemorate a special time in the Jewish calendar.

Get your party on; Purim is almost here! The holiday is one of the most joyous and fun on the Jewish calendar, complete with everything from feasts to costumes to wine, all in honor of Queen Esther and her loyal cousin Mordecai rescuing the Jews from slaughter in the Persian Empire.

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on Purim and Jewish-Christian dialogue. Purim starts tonight and in Israel lasts till Monday. Based on the Book of Esther which we read tonight and tomorrow in Shul, we remind ourselves of G-d’s continued presence through the actions of human beings, even when His name isn’t mentioned.