Purim

Purim is the Jewish holiday that commemorates Queen Esther and her bravery as she saved the Jewish people living in exile in Persia from extermination. The Purim story is told in the Book of Esther. This book is also referred to as the Megillah of Esther. Interestingly, the Book of Esther is the only book in the Hebrew Bible that does not mention the name of G~d.

Esther, a young and beautiful Jewish woman living in Persia with her uncle and foster parent, Mordecai. She was brought to King Ahasuerus to become one of his wives. He was unaware that she was Jewish.

Haman was an influencial advisor to the King. He hated Mordecai because Mordicai refused to bow down to him. He, therefore, plotted to destroy all the Jews living in Persia. The king decided that Haman could take whatever action he wished against the Jewish people. Haman decided to have a lottery to determine which date to kill the Jews.

The word “purim” means “lots.” The holiday, therefore, is so named because it refers to the lottery that Haman use.

Esther was persuaded to speak to the king on behalf of her people. In preparation for her encounter with the king on this matter, she fasted for three days to prepare herself. Today, three days before the Purim holiday is known as the Fast of Esther. It is a minor fast during which Jews do not eat from sun-up through sundown.

She told the king of Haman’s plot, the king intervened, and Haman was hanged.

When the Megillah of Esther is read in synagogue, it is customary to boo, hiss, and make a lot of noise whenever the name of Haman is read out. The purpose of this practice is to “blot out” the name of Haman from history.

Another feature of the Purim holiday is the custom of eating and drinking and having a good time. According to Talmud, one is commanded to drink until he cannot tell the difference between Haman and Mordecai.

Additionally, it is customary to send gifts of food and drink and to make gifts to charity on this holiday. This custom is called mishalach manot (sending out portions). An Ashkenazic tradition is to make hamentaschen, triangular poppy seed or fruit-filled cookies to represent a three-cornered hat.

The Purim service often includes a celebration of plays and parodies.

Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, which in the secular year 2010, begins at sundown on February 27.