If you see kids dressed up next week, it’s because it’s Purimto jewish holiday.
Purim commemorates the story told in the Biblical Book of Esther. A man named Haman hatched a plan to annihilate all the Jews in ancient Persia; he manipulated King Achashverosh into helping carry it out. Little did he know that the king’s wife, Esther, was actually Jewish. She and her uncle Mordecai work together to prevent Haman from succeeding.
“It’s the story of human ingenuity, human courage and human bravery,” he says Rabbi Elaine Glickmandeputy executive director of the Women’s Rabbinical Network.
But what are all the traditions around it? What about the costumes? What are the typical foods eaten to celebrate? Here are all the details:
When is Purim?
This year it begins at sunset on Monday, March 6 and ends at sunset on Tuesday, March 7. The dates vary each year, but it is usually around this time.
Is Purim a religious holiday?
Purim is different from other Jewish holidays in that the Sabbath laws are not observed during the holiday. (Which means that even observant Jews will be using their phones, driving cars, etc. during this holiday.)
The Purim story is the only narrative story in the Bible where God’s name does not appear. It seems to be the first time that humans choose their own destiny, mounting a campaign to try to save themselves and protect their community.
“Everything seems to be almost a coincidence, where the miraculous is hidden,” says Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, social media editor for chabad.org.
“In many ways this represents the miracle of Jewish life,” he adds. “There are no great moments in the day-to-day routine. Rather, in the mundane itself we can find the greatest miracle.”
Rabbi Benjamin Berger, Hillel International’s vice president for Jewish education, previously told USA TODAY: “At the last minute, history is reversed and the Jewish people are saved thanks to the heroics of one heroine in particular, Queen Esther. , who realizes that he is in the right place at the right time to change the fate of the Jewish people.”
How do Jews celebrate Purim?
Usually there is a service to read the megillah, the Biblical Book of Esther written on a scroll.
You won’t see this display of the holiday everywhere in the world, necessarily. “In all places where there are Jews, we sometimes adapt our customs to the dominant culture,” says Glickman.
In the US, children wear costumes (often representing those from the Purim story) and celebrate with parades and carnivals.
Children are encouraged to say “boo” whenever Haman’s name is said in the retelling of the story and to drown him out with noisemakers called “groggers”. Sometimes synagogues also put on plays that tell the story.
For some Jews, it doesn’t end there: “We give gifts of food to friends, charity to the poor, and we eat a big festive meal,” says Lightstone.
What do Jews eat on Purim?
Hamantaschen – A cocked biscuit meant to represent Haman’s cocked hat. The cookie usually includes some type of fruit filling, but sweet and savory options also exist.
What should you say to a Jew on Purim?
“Happy Purim” works! Pronounced as “poor him”.
Should you think of Purim as a Jewish Halloween?
While “it’s a very understandable and very apt comparison” to refer to Purim as Jewish Halloween, Glickman says, that may offend some.
“Purim is a deeply selfless celebration, in which gifts are given not only to friends, but also to those most in need,” Lightstone adds. “It’s a celebration of life and finding the sacred even in the most hidden moments.”
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Collaboration: Marina Pitofsky