Purim

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Purim is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the 14th of Adar. It celebrates the story of the nations salvation over 2 millennia ago. It starts tonight at sundown, and goes to March 1st most places, but March 2nd in Jerusalem. The name of the holiday (Purim) translates to lots, which refer a part in the story.

Story of Purim

In the 4th century BCE (BC to us older folks), the Persian empire was expansive, and included the land where the Jewish people lived. King Ahasuerus had his wife killed for not following his orders and organized a beauty pageant to find his next wife. Esther, a Jewish girl, caught his fancy and became his wife, refusing to tell her nationality.

Haman, was the King's Prime Minister, and asked the king to order the death of all Jews. His reason, Mordechai, Esther's cousin, refused to bow down to him. The King agreed. The date, 13th of Adar, was chosen by a lottery.

Mordechai asked his fellow Jews to repent, fast, and pray to God. Esther asked both the King and Hamman to a feast. At the feast, she revealed the fact that she was Jewish. The King order the death of Haman, and chose Mordechai to take Haman's place. The Jews were granted the right to defend themselves from those still desiring the massacre, and killed many trying to kill them on the 13th of Adar. The following day, the rested and celebrated.

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How Purim is celebrated

Jews have several traditions when it comes to celebrating Purim. Many go to the synagogue to hear the Megillah (aka the Christian "Book of Esther") read in it's entirety. Both on the night of Purim, and the following morning. Noisemakers can be used whenever Haman's name is mentioned in the reading.

Other traditions include: giving to the needy (Matanot L'Evyonim), sending gifts of food to friends (Mishloach Manot), feasting on Purim day (the 14th of Adar, 15th in Jerusalem), special prayers, and a masquerade.

There are also several tradition to prepare for Purim. Examples are: reading the Zachor, the Fast of Esther (day before Purim), and giving 3 coins in 1/2 denominations (ex. half dollar coins) to charity (Machatzis HaShekel).

Some ancient walled cities (including Jerusalem) celebrate Purim on the 15th of Adar (Shushan Purim). They do so to celebrate the battle at the walled city of Shushan, where the battle extended an extra day.

Sources

• www.chabad.org

• The BBC's page on the holiday
• There's also plenty of information on chabad.org
• Information on the Fast of Esther at chabad
• Judaism 101's site
• My Jewish Learning's site
• Reform Judaism's site includes recipes