The Jewish Holiday of Purim Begins on March 6

Purim is a Jewish holiday that dates back thousands of years and commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them in ancient Persia. The story of Purim is recounted in the biblical Book of Esther, which tells the tale of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, who were able to thwart the wicked Haman’s plan to exterminate the Jews.

The origins of Purim can be traced back to the Persian Empire in the 4th century BCE. According to the Book of Esther, Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian court, became angry when Mordechai, a Jewish advisor to the king, refused to bow down to him. In retaliation, Haman hatched a plan to exterminate all of the Jews in the empire, enlisting the help of King Ahasuerus to carry out his evil scheme.

However, Esther, who was secretly Jewish and married to King Ahasuerus, was able to use her position to intercede on behalf of her people. With her cousin Mordechai’s help, Esther revealed Haman’s plot to the king and foiled his evil plan. In the end, Haman was executed, and the Jewish people were saved.

“The same days on which Jews enjoyed relief from their foes and the same month which had been transformed for them from one of grief to joy and from mourning to festival, they were to observe them as days of feasting and merry-making, and as an occasion for mishloach manot and matanot la-evyonim.”

(Esther 9:22)

To commemorate their salvation, the Jewish people established the holiday of Purim, celebrated on the 14th of Adar in the Hebrew calendar. Today, Purim is a festive Jewish holiday that is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions. Here are some of the most popular traditions associated with Purim:

1. Reading the Megillah: One of the central customs of Purim is reading the Megillah, which is the story of Esther from the Hebrew Bible. The Megillah is typically read aloud in synagogues, and it is customary to make noise whenever the name of the villain, Haman, is mentioned.
2. Wearing costumes: Another popular tradition associated with Purim is dressing up in costumes. This custom is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages when Jews would dress up as the characters from the story of Esther.
   • Reading the Megillah: One of the central customs of Purim is reading the Megillah, which is the story of Esther from the Hebrew Bible. The Megillah is typically read aloud in synagogues, and it is customary to make noise whenever the name of the villain, Haman, is mentioned.
   • Wearing costumes: Another popular tradition associated with Purim is dressing up in costumes. This custom is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages when Jews would dress up as the characters from the story of Esther.
   • Giving gifts of food: Another Purim tradition is the gift of mishloach manot, gifts of food and drink given to friends and family. This custom is meant to promote friendship and goodwill among the community.
   • Giving to charity: Purim is also a time for giving to charity, particularly to those less fortunate. It is customary to give matanot la’evyonim, or gifts to the poor, during the holiday.
   • Eating special foods: Several traditional foods are associated with Purim, including hamantaschen, triangular-shaped cookies filled with sweet fillings like poppy seeds or fruit. Other popular foods include kreplach (meat-filled dumplings) and challah (braided bread).
   • Celebrating with parades and carnivals: In some communities, Purim is celebrated with parades and carnivals. These events often feature live music, dancing, games, and food, and they are a fun way for people to come together and celebrate the holiday.

Overall, Purim is a time for joy, celebration, and community. The traditions associated with the holiday reflect these values and provide a meaningful way for people to connect with their faith and one another.

Jewish communities worldwide celebrate Purim as a time of joy, celebration, and remembrance of the triumph of good over evil. It is a holiday that reminds us of the power of faith, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity. 

Chocolate Filled Hamantaschen