essay

The Bobover Hasidim PIREMSHPIYL: from folk drama for Purim to a ritual of transcending the holocaust

new world hasidim : ethnographic studies of hasidic jews in americaAlbany, N.Y. • Published In 1995 • Pages: 237-255

By: Epstein, Shifra.

Abstract
This work '…explores the Bobover Hasidim folk drama for Purim, the PIREMSHPIYL, as a ritual transcending the experience of the Holocaust' (p. 237). Epstein examines the potential of the Purim festival by showing its adaptability to fit a wide variety of occasions. Not only are daily events turned topsy-turvy in the Purim, but also merrymaking events, including the performance of the PIREMSHPIYL, become occasions in which the Hasidim attempt psychological adjustments to the terrors of the Holocaust. Since relatively little has been written about the complexity of emotions and beliefs that the Holocaust still holds for the Hasidim, this article is perhaps the first effort to inquire into the manner in which the Hasidic community is able to confront this horror from their past.
Subjects
Drama
Organized ceremonial
culture
North American Hasidic Jews
HRAF PubDate
1996
Region
North America
Sub Region
Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1995
Field Date
1976-1979, 1987
Coverage Date
variable
Coverage Place
Bobover; Boro Park, Brooklyn, N.Y., United States
Notes
Shifra Epstein
Includes bibliographical references (p. 253-255)
LCCN
94000300
LCSH
Jews