The Festival of Purim

Jews will soon celebrate, on 26 February 2021, the joyous festival of Purim which occurs every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring).

It commemorates the (Divinely orchestrated) salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young, old, infants, and women, in a single day.

The Book of Esther(Megillah) records this holiday. Purim remains unusual because it is the only book of the bible that does not contain the name of G-d. An important message from the story is that G-d often works in ways which are not apparent, in ways which appear to be chance, coincidence or ordinary good luck.

The 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 arranged a beauty pageant to find a new queen. A Jewish girl, Esther, found favor in his eyes and became the new queen, though she refused to divulge her nationality.

Meanwhile, the Jew-hating 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, incensed, convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of all the Jews on the 13th of Adar.

Mordechai galvanized all the Jews, convincing them to repent, fast and pray to G-d. Meanwhile, Esther asked the king and Haman to join her for a feast. At a subsequent 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.

Purim Observances

A spirit of liveliness and fun on Purim is unparalleled on the Jewish calendar. It is also customary for children (and adults, if they desire) to dress up in costumes. On the day before Purim (or on the Thursday before, when Purim is on Sunday), it is customary to fast, commemorating Esther’s fasting and praying to G-d that He save His people.

• Reading of the Megillah (book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle.

• Giving money gifts to at least two poor people.

• Sending gifts of two kinds of food to at least one person.

• Purim feast often includes wine or other intoxicating beverages.

Why Is It Called Purim?

The holiday Purim, meaning “lots” in ancient Persian, received its name because Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his diabolical scheme.

You can pronounce it either poo-REEM or PUH-rim.