Russian Jews celebrate Purim

Tonight in Russia the celebration of the Jewish holiday of Purim begins. It is dedicated to the memories of the salvation of the Jewish people from destruction during the reign of Persian king Ahasuerus.

The conspiracy of his dignitary Haman against the Jews was uncovered because of the wife of the king, Esther. According to the Jewish lunar-solar calendar, the holiday comes on the 14th day of the month of Adar - this year on March 5, but the night before, everyone begins to read the scroll of Esther in the synagogues.

Traditionally, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar, will read the scroll in the Moscow community center in Maryina Roshcha.

"In the most difficult times, many of us have remained true to our values and tried to preserve them for future generations, like a wise Mordecai and a selfless Esther, who sacrificed her own life, saved a whole nation. Therefore, today we must understand our responsibility for the personal choice so our religion, culture and history are alive in every generation," TASS cited a congratulatory message from the head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, Alexander Boroda.