What Purim is about
The joyous holiday of Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jews from Haman, through the help of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai. Purim takes place on the 14th day of Adar, the 12th month of the Jewish calendar, usually in March in the secular calendar.
The Book of Esther
The story of Purim is found in the Biblical book of Esther, often referred to as "the Megillah." This is publically read in synagogues twice on Purim: when the holiday begins at nightfall, and the following morning. When the name of Haman is read, people stomp their feet, hiss, boo, or shake noisemakers to obliterate his name.
The Book of Esther
The story of Purim is found in the Biblical book of Esther, often referred to as "the Megillah." This is publically read in synagogues twice on Purim: when the holiday begins at nightfall, and the following morning. When the name of Haman is read, people stomp their feet, hiss, boo, or shake noisemakers to obliterate his name.
Observances
The traditional observances of Purim include a day of fasting one day before the day of Purim, public readings of the Book of Esther, feasting, gifts of charity to the poor, and gifts of food among friends (Mishloach Manot). It is also unique among Jewish holidays in that adults are encouraged to drink until they can't tell the difference between the phrases "cursed be Haman" and "blessed be Mordecai." Other popular activities include expounding on the Torah in humorous ways, dressing up in costumes, holding beauty contests, and marching in parades.
As with many holidays, Purim has a food of its own: Ashkénazy Jews have the custom of baking Hamantaschen ( triangular cookies filled with a prune or poppy-seed paste) , but Sephardi tradition is much more diverse.
Fast of Esther Purim is preceded by a minor fast, the Fast of Esther, commemorating the three-day fast that preceded the miracle of Haman's downfall. This is normally observed from dawn to sundown immediately before Purim. However, when this would conflict with Sabbath observance, it is moved to the preceding Thursday.
As with many holidays, Purim has a food of its own: Ashkénazy Jews have the custom of baking Hamantaschen ( triangular cookies filled with a prune or poppy-seed paste) , but Sephardi tradition is much more diverse.
Fast of Esther Purim is preceded by a minor fast, the Fast of Esther, commemorating the three-day fast that preceded the miracle of Haman's downfall. This is normally observed from dawn to sundown immediately before Purim. However, when this would conflict with Sabbath observance, it is moved to the preceding Thursday.
