Last week, Orthodox Jews in a predominantly Haredim part of Borough Park hung eleven mannequins in effigy across 12th Avenue. (Haredi Jews are widely considered the most conservative form of Orthodox Judaism.) The display was part of the Purim celebrations, but some non-Jewish locals who passed through the neighborhood were confused and even offended by the effigies, according to News 12. The local news channel says a viewer tipped them off about the display, and one passerby told them, "I don't know, I think it's kind of like ridiculing." more ›

Leaving Channukah behind in the dust, Purim is clearly the most festive holiday in Judaism—according to some dusty ancient scrolls, you're supposed to drink so much you literally can't distinguish good from evil. To each his own vice, but most people will just stuff themselves with hamentashen — the tri-cornered, sugary cookies filled with drool-worthy fruit pastes. Traditionally it's prune and apricot, but, thanks to the Reform movement, chocolate filling now also makes an appearance. more ›

Aw, here's a cute, bright-eyed kid in Borough Park who probably has no idea that his Purim black face costume might be considered just a tad offensive. Of course, in a post-Drunken Negro Face Cookie world, this kind of tone-deaf Obama homage is no longer so surprising. more ›