Purim Feast

One of the feasts on the Jewish calendar is Purim. It is celebrated on 14-15 of the month of Adar (the 6th month in the Jewish calendar). It is celebrated in order to remember a miracle that happened to the Jewish community in the Persian Empire. It most probably happened sometime during the 3rd or 4th BCE.

The Book of Esther, also known in Hebrew as "the Scroll" (Megillah), is not part of the Bible. It was canonized at a later date and recounts the story of Purim.

The Book of Esther tells us of Esther’s Uncle Mordecai who lived in the City of Shushan. Esther & her uncle saved King Ahasuerus by telling him that someone is plotting to poison him. Needless to mention that Mordecai won the King’s favor after letting him know of the plot. Sometime after this event, it came to Mordecai’s attention that a very important minister, Haman – the King’s viceroy, wants to destroy the Jewish community in Persia. King Ahasuerus decided to return a favor to Mordecai, and reversed the turn of events. Rather than the Jews being destroyed, they are saved and Haman and his family are hanged.

The meaning of the name Purim = Lots (lottery). The lot is that Haman tried to destroy the Jews however, the reverse happened. He was sent to the gallows and the Jews were saved.

The tradition today is to fast the day before Purim, to read the Book of Esther, and every time Haman’s name is mentioned, everybody boos and makes a noise with a grager (Purim noisemaker). In the evening, after the reading of the Book of Esther is completed, the Purim festivities begin: dancing, singing, drinking, dressing up, lots of costumes and the next day there are several Purim Parades across the country.

Another tradition/practice associated with Purim is “Mishloach Manot” (literally ‘sending of portions’). This Purim basket consists of food and drinks that are sent to family, friends and it is also a ‘mitzva’ to send “Mishloach Manot” to the poor, as charity.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on the Purim Parade, its special name and the meaning of this name.