PURIM
14th of Adar
“A
day of light and gladness, and joy and honor.”
Esther 8:16
The Purim story is recounted in the Megillat
Esther (Scroll of Esther), one of the books of
the Bible. In the ancient kingdom of Persia
more than two thousand years ago, King Ahasuerus
chose Esther (a beautiful Jewish girl, though
Esther did not reveal her faith to him) to be
the new queen. The king’s chief advisor, Haman,
plotted to kill the Jews and he cast lots (purim)
to choose a date for the genocide. The lot fell
on the 13th day of Adar. Moredechai,
Esther’s uncle and guardian, urged her to
intercede on behalf of the Jews and,
miraculously, she was successful. The Jews of
Persia were saved, Haman was hanged, and the 14th
of Adar was set aside to celebrate.
TRADITIONS
The story of Esther is read in synagogue,
usually twice, once in the evening of Adar 14
and once the next morning.
When Haman’s name is mentioned children and
adults boo and twirl noisemakers to drown out
the sound of his evil name.
Eat Hamentashen, which are cookies shaped in a
triangle like Haman’s hat.
Mishlo’ah manot,
carrying gifts of cookies and food to friends
and neighbors.
Funds are collected for the poor (Tzedakah).
Children and adults often dress in costumes,
perform plays and parodies, and celebrate the
miracle of Purim.
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