Purim
Purim, celebrated on the 14th of Adar, is the most fun‑filled, action‑packed day of the Jewish year. The 14th of Adar is normally in March.
The Purim Story in a Nutshell
The Persian empire of the 4th century BCE extended over 127 lands, and all the Jews were its subjects. When King Ahasuerus had his wife, Queen Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders, he orchestrated a beauty pageant to find a new queen. A Jewish girl, Esther, found favor in his eyes and became the new queen. However, she refused to divulge the identity of her nationality.
Meanwhile, the anti‑Semitic Haman was appointed prime minister of the empire. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews (and Esther’s cousin), defied the king’s orders and refused to bow to Haman. Haman was incensed and convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of all the Jews on the 13th of Adar, a date chosen by a lottery Haman made (hence the name Purim, “lots”).
Mordechai galvanized all the Jews, convincing them to repent, fast and pray to God. Meanwhile, Esther asked the king and Haman to join her for a feast. At the feast, Esther revealed to the king her Jewish identity. Haman was hanged, Mordechai was appointed prime minister in his stead, and a new decree was issued granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies.
On the 13th of Adar, the Jews mobilized and killed many of their enemies. On the 14th of Adar, they rested and celebrated.
How to Celebrate
Though we dress up in holiday finery, Purim doesn’t feature holiday work restrictions. Nonetheless, all the better if you can take the day off from work and focus on the holiday and it’s four special mitzvahs or Customs.
1. Hear the Megillah: Book of Esther
Listen to the reading twice: once on Purim night, and again on Purim day. Pay attentionCit is crucial to hear every word.
When Haman’s name is mentioned (following Chabad custom, only when accompanied with an honorific title), you can make use of noisemakers or stamp your feet to eradicate his evil name.
2. Give to the Needy
On Purim, we give a donation to whoever asks; we don’t verify his or her bank balance first.
3. Send Food Gifts to Friends
On Purim, we emphasize the importance of friendship and community by sending gifts of food to friends.
4. Feast!
During the course of Purim day gather your family, maybe invite a guest or two, and celebrate with a festive Purim meal. Traditionally, this meal begins before sundown and lasts well into the evening.
Some have the tradition of eating small triangle pastries called hamantaschen. These cookies are filled with fruit marmalade or poppy seeds. Originally called “mundtaschen,” meaning “poppy seed pocket,” the word “hamantaschen” is Yiddish for “Haman’s pockets.” In Israel they are called “oznei Haman,” meaning “Haman’s ears.” There are three explanations for the triangular shape of hamantaschen. Some say they represent a triangular-shaped hat worn by Haman, the villain in the Purim story, and that we eat them as a reminder that his dastardly plot was foiled. Others say they represent Esther’s strength and the three founders of Judaism: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Yet another explanation applies only to “oznei Haman.” When called by this name, the cookies make reference to an old custom of cutting off the ears of criminals before they were executed. Whatever their name, the reason behind eating hamantaschen remains the same: remembering how close the Jewish people came to tragedy and celebrating the fact that God provided a way of escape.
The table should be festively decked with a nice tablecloth and candles. Have bread and enjoy a meal featuring meat, wine and plenty of songs, words of the Bible and joyous Purim spirit. Sing, drink, laugh, have fun together.
Note: When Purim falls on a Friday, out of deference to the approaching Shabbat, we start the meal earlier, ideally before midday.
Special Prayers:
This is said before the reading of Esther.
Blessed art Thou, LORD our God, Master of the universe, who
sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us regarding the reading of the book of Esther. Amen.
Blessed art Thou, LORD our God, Master of the universe, who performed miracles for our fathers in those days at this time. Amen.
Blessed art Thou, LORD our God, Master of the universe, who has kept us alive and has sustained us, and brought us to this season. Amen.
Masquerade!
On Purim, children and some adventurous adults, too traditionally dress in costumes, an allusion to God’s hand in the Purim miracle, which was disguised by natural events. Make sure your children masquerade as good, cheerful characters, such as Mordechai and Esther.
Recipes
- Delicious Easy Hamantaschen Recipe for Purim
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