Purim

About Purim

Purim is a joyous celebration which marks a historical episode of the Jewish community that originated in ancient Persia, around the 5th Century BCE. It honors the courage of Queen Esther and her cousin (or possibly uncle) Mordechai, who saved the Jewish people from a tragic fate at the hands of the king’s right-hand man, the villainous Haman.

A Quick Look at the Purim Story:

• King Ahasuerus banishes Queen Vashti for refusing to dance for his court. 
• Esther, who keeps her Jewish identity a secret, becomes the new queen after winning a beauty contest. 
• Mordechai refuses to bow in deference to Haman, enraging him to the point of desiring the extermination of the entire Jewish community. 
• Haman, the king’s newly promoted official, develops a deep hatred for Mordechai and the Jewish people. 
• Mordechai urges Esther to reveal her Jewishness to save her community. 
• Through Esther’s bravery and willingness to speak up—even at great personal risk—Haman’s plan is thwarted, and the Jewish people are saved. 
• Purim is celebrated each year on the 14th and 15th of the Hebrew month of Adar, remembering this harrowing story of heroism by connecting with friends and neighbors over a festive meal, and a theatrical retelling (shpiel) of the story. 

Significance of Purim: Purim reminds us of the power of courage, unity, and standing up against hatred. It’s also a day of wild merriment—people wear costumes, host carnivals, and experience nahafoch hu (reversals). Just as Esther removed her “mask” and proudly stood as her full self, Purim invites us to see beyond surface appearances and to honor each person’s true identity.

How We Celebrate

• Reading the Megillah: We read the Scroll of Esther (Megillat Esther) in a communal setting—often accompanied by cheerful chaos! Every time Haman’s name is mentioned, we boo, hiss, and use noisemakers (known as grogger in Yiddish or ra’ashan in Hebrew) to blot out his name. 
• Costumes and Masks: Children and adults alike dress up in creative costumes, reminding us of the hidden identities and surprise transformations in the Purim story. 
• Festive Meal and Sweets: It’s tradition to enjoy a lavish feast (and yes, sometimes to indulge in a bit of wine!). We eat hamantaschen (Yiddish for “Haman’s pockets”) or oznei Haman (Hebrew for “Haman’s ears”). These triangular cookies are often filled with jam, poppy seeds, or chocolate. 
• Gifts of Food and Charity: A key practice is mishloach manot—sending tasty gift baskets to friends and neighbors—and matanot la’evyonim, giving to those in need.

Purim Traditions to Try at Home

• Deliver a Basket of Treats: Give a gift of food with at least two different items to a neighbor or friend. 
• Support a Cause: Make a donation to an organization that stands against anti-Semitism. 
• Host a Purim Meal: Invite friends for a festive dinner. Try songs, creative hamantaschen fillings, and printable games from pjlibrary.org/purim. 
• Catch a Local Purim Carnival or Purim Shpiel: Many synagogues welcome the entire community to join in the fun.

A Topsy-Turvy Teaching

This teaching points to the holiday’s “topsy-turvy” nature. While it’s often interpreted as a literal command to drink on Purim, many see it as an invitation to celebrate wholeheartedly—while never losing sight of our moral responsibility to champion peace and protect the vulnerable.