Author's note: It occurred to me while watching last night's episode that I've seen Ziva make several references to Hanukkah, but never to any of the other Jewish holidays. So, without further ado...
"Morning, everyone!" said Tony. "And how's everyone enjoying this lovely March weather?" And he dropped his satchel on the floor by his desk with a loud thunk!
Ziva winced, and held up a hand. "Please, Tony," she said. "No sudden movements this morning."
Tony arched an eyebrow, and gave his uncharacteristically bedraggled-looking partner a once-over. "Well, well," he said. "So the Lioness of Judah had one too many last night, did she?"
"No, Tony," said Ziva sharply. "I did not have 'one too many'. I had precisely the prescribed amount."
Tony blinked. "Prescribed?" he said. "By who, your doctor?"
"By the Talmud," said Ziva. "You do know what yesterday was, do you not?"
Tony hesitated. "Um... Tuesday?"
"14 Adar," said Ziva.
At the blank expression on Tony's face, she sighed and elaborated. "Purim, Tony. The holiday commemorating the salvation of the Hebrew race by the guile and foresight of Esther the queen. The day when every good Jew is supposed to get so thoroughly drunk that he cannot tell the difference between the phrases 'Blessed be Mordecai' and 'Cursed be Haman'."
Tony cocked his head. "Really?" he said.
Ziva nodded, then clutched her head and wished she hadn't. "Yes," she gasped. "Of course, as a woman, the rule is not binding on me, but I do not think that a Mossad officer ought to shrink from such a challenge."
"Well, what do you know," said Tony, looking deeply impressed. "I just might have to convert to Judaism now."
"You want to celebrate Purim, DiNozzo, your Bible's got a Book of Esther," said Gibbs as he strode into the bullpen and tossed Ziva a bottle of Excedrin. "Gear up, everyone. Dead Marine in Bethesda."...