Purim: Like War, Only Funner

One of my favorite tour de forces, Bridget Jones' Diary, has a very timely entry which compares Xmas to war. She pithily explains how in her magical, make-believe Londontown, everyone is so busy going to parties and rushing from one social scene to the next that time loses all meaning and becomes a blur of foraging for clothes, sleep and shelter as if it were wartime.

Now, I must say that Bridget (bless her heart) may not really exist, but she really hit the nail on the head in reference to my Purim experience thus far. I have been so busy flitting from party-shpiel-back to party again, changing costumes, and devouring hamantaschen and sushi (no relation to Purim, just yummy) that I feel as if I am somewhat of a POW. I have not slept well in 5 days, my usually solid gym-going has fallen by the wayside, and I have become obsessed with my choice of costumes. (Saturday night: Butterfly/Bumblebee! Sunday night: Geisha girl! Tonight: 70's chick!)

Basically, I have become a socializing machine (efficient like the Terminator, only more festive and not killing people) and am unable to concentrate on anything unrelated to the holiday experience. However, is this really so bad? After all, the Purim celebration is about how we won the war against our enemies, so why not embrace this new 'friendly fire' and party like it's 5764? I also feel quite justified in abandoning my usual norms since on this holiday, we're encouraged to get falling-off-our-butt drunk. How am I supposed to do that if I'm following my usual clean and sober rules (ha ha)?

In conclusion, let us all embrace this crazy state and turn everything upside down! Let's get rip-roaring drunk and make out with all our fellow Jews! Happy Purim to all, and groove on!

(And, if you see a butterfly in 70's regalia weaving drunkenly through the Puck Building, give her a friendly salute and congratulate her on how well she is fighting the Purim War.)