Today is Wednesday.

It was Purim Day, a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 14th of Adar in commemoration of the deliverance of the Jews from the massacre plotted by Haman. Long long ago, in the land of Persia, a wicked man named Haman had cast lots for a day on which to hang all the Jews. That was how the Purim first came into being for it means the Feast of Lots. Why are the people glad on this day? Because Haman had failed to accomplish this evil deed. He himself was hanged on the very gallows which he had caused to be built for the Jews. And ever since, this day of Purim has been celebrated with gaiety and laughter, feasting and singng, with masquerade and play. In the morning, the girls were so excited that they bounced themselves up and down their beds. And Mama was happy too. She asked the girls to put on their clothes quickly, because Papa was leaving for the synagogue right after breakfast. If they wanted to go along, they had to hurry.