Purim Williamsbrg first night 2013

Ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrate Purim in Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY on February 23, 2013.  The carnival-like Purim holiday is celebrated with parades and costume parties to commemorate the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them in the ancient Persian empire 2,500 years ago, as described in the Book of Esther.