Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrating the saving of Persian Jews from certain death at the hands of Haman. The holiday involves fasting, reading the Book of Esther, feasting, wearing costumes, and performing satirical plays. It ends with a special dinner called Seudat Purim.
Purim, which literally means “lots” in Hebrew, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the saving of Jews living in Persia from certain destruction at the hands of Haman, an evil Persian noble. Haman believed that a Jewish leader named Mordechai had not shown his court enough respect. Enraged by this lack of obedience, Haman and his wife Zeresh conceived a plan to kill Mordechai and all of his fellow Persian Jews. Special lots, or purim, would be cast to determine the actual day this slaughter would begin.
Unfortunately for Haman, news of the proposed massacre reached the ears of Esther, a Jewess married to the king of Persia. Esther and Mordechai risk their lives to expose Haman’s plot and save the Jews from certain death. Haman himself would later be hung from the same gallows he had built for Mordechai. The details of this Jewish salvation from wicked Haman were recorded in the Book of Esther, also called the Megillah of Esther.
The Jewish holiday of Purim is now celebrated on the 14th day of Adar in the Jewish calendar, which usually coincides with a day in March. Jews first observe the fast of Esther the day before Purim, then the holiday proper begins with a reading from the Megillah or Book of Esther that evening. A second public reading from the Megillah or Book of Esther takes place on the morning of Purim. Participants in these readings can stomp, hiss, or shake a special rattle whenever Haman’s name is mentioned.
The remainder of the Purim holiday is spent in various phases of feasts and charitable acts. A Purim tradition involves creating a plate of food or basket for neighbors and local charities. During Purim, many attendees don colorful costumes and masks as they parade through the streets. Another informal tradition during Purim is the satirical reading of scripture, often performed as part of an irreverent form of musical theatre. The tradition of Yiddish theater is said to have grown out of such Purim skits and songs.
Purim ends with a special dinner called Seudat Purim. Although many Jewish religious leaders encourage some restraint during Purim, attendees often drink copious amounts of wine during Seudat Purim, and celebrations can go on well into the night. While not considered a major Jewish holiday, Purim is still seen as a day of rejoicing and remembrance of Queen Esther and Mordechai’s brave deeds against Haman.
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