A Commerce Bureau survey reveals that Purim brings a hefty boost to a number of businesses, amounting to 13%. This would include supermarkets, food stores, catering concerns, manpower agencies, security manpower agencies, and of course, cleaning companies.

The sale of candies during Purim week stands at an estimated NIS 50 million, representing a 35-40% as compared to a regular week. To the surprise of many, the sale of hamentashen only amount to about 2% of the overall Purim candy sales.

Officials point out that this year’s Purim sales are about 7% lower than a regular year, attributing the drop the economic crisis.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)