Purim is a Jewish feast that commemorates the miraculous salvation of the Jews when Queen Esther went before King Ahasuerus uninvited to plead for mercy for her people. Haman, the king's adviser, had plotted to kill all of the Jews, not knowing that the new queen was in fact a Jewess. After learning of Haman's plans from her Uncle Mordecai, Esther asked the Jews to fast and pray with her for three days and nights before she went to seek mercy.
Purim Customs
- Public reading of the Book of Esther (Megillah)
- Fasting before and after Purim
- Giving gifts of food and drink
- Giving to the poor
- Feasting
- Drinking wine
- Wearing masks and costumes
- Children a large focus of the celebration
- Public celebratingAbout.com: Purim Customs
Drinking During Purim
There is heated debate over the mitzvah (commandment) that one drink wine "until he can no longer distinguish between 'Cursed is Homon' and 'Blessed is Mordecai'". Some believe the commandment literally dictates that they get drunk, while others think that one should only drink a little more than they usually would. Those of the latter opinion fear that becoming too drunk would lead them to committing aveiros (sin).Sichos in English: Purim
Purim Recipes
- Mahalo's Guide to Purim Recipes | Purim Cupcakes | Hamantash
- Epicurious.com: Purim Recipes
- All Recipes: Purim Recipes
- Chabad.org: Purim Recipes for Kids
- Reform Judaism Magazine: Purim Recipes
- Biblical Holidays: Purim Recipes
- RFCJ Recipe Archives: Purim Recipes
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Esther's Hebrew name is Hadassah, which means "myrtle tree"Torah.org: Esther
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Historical Date
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2009
Purim is March 10 - March 11, sunset to sunset
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Date
14th day of Adar (usually mid-March)
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Fact:
Celebrated on the 15th day of Adar in cities that were surrounded by a wall during the time of Joshua (Shushan Purim)
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Fact:
Begins at sundown the day before the given date
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Fact:
Graggers (noisemakers) used to drown out the sound of Haman's name when it is read as a sign of contemptDLTK's: Purim Gragger Ideas
