At first glance, Mardi Gras â?? the New Orleans version of the worldwide Carnival celebrations â?? seems anything but Jewish. Its quintessential elements, including public masquerade, the imbibing of copious amounts of alcoholic beverages, and second-line parade music arenâ??t stereotypical territory for the people of the book, outside of a few bar mitzvah parties that went on way too long.
On second glance, however, Mardi Gras â?? which takes place this year on February 17 â?? takes on a different cast. A Jewish one.
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