Purim is the most joyful festival of the Jewish year. It is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar (late February/early March) to commemorate the rescue of the Jewish community of Persia through the heroism of the Jewish queen Esther.
According to the story, Haman, the chief minister of the Persian king Ahasuerus, had ordered that the Jews be massacred on the 13th of Adar. He chose this date by casting lots - hence, the name Purim (Akkadian pur--dice). Haman's plans were spoiled when Esther's cousin Mordecai told Esther about them. After inviting the king and Haman to two banquets, Esther revealed Haman's plans and her Jewish origins to the king. In anger, Ahasuerus ordered that Haman be hanged on his own gallows instead. Mordecai was then given Haman's position as vizier. Mordecai authorized the Jews to avenge themselves on the 13th of Adar and ordered that the next day should be a day of feasting and celebration. Scholars associate Ahasuerus with the Persian king Xerxes I, thus dating the Purim story to the mid-5th century BCE.
The major requirement for the observance of Purim is the reading of the Book of Esther in the synagogue. This text is usually read from a scroll (megillah). The atmosphere in the synagogue is one of joyous celebration. Participants wear costumes or casual dress. They stamp their feet or shake noisemakers (greggers in Yiddish) at the mention of Haman's name during the megillah reading. The decorum that is present during the rest of the year is absent on Purim. The reason for this behavior is that Haman is said to be a descendant of Amalek, and the Torah (Deut. 25:19) commands the Israelites to "blot out the memory of Amalek."
Since Purim is a happy holiday, its celebration often involves a carnival and parties. The carnival atmosphere and time of year are similar to Mardis Gras. A festive meal, known as a seudah, is another tradition of Purim. In addition, Purim is the only holiday on which it is permissible to become drunk. Another feature of the holiday is the performance of a satirical play or program known as a Purim-shpil.
It is a mitzvah on this holiday is to send gifts of food to friends and relatives (mishlo'ach manot) and to give charity to the poor. The traditional food of the holiday is hamentaschen (Haman's pockets), a triangular pastry filled with poppyseed, dates, prunes, fruit, etc. Another item is a fried pastry known as ozne Haman, "Haman's ears."
Decorations & Celebration Tips
- Make hamantaschen
- Make baskets for mishlo'ach manot and deliver them to friends and relatives
- Make Purim costumes and masks
- Make greggers
- Organize a Purim-shpil
