Purim is a minor festival. It is a celebration of redemption which occurs on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. This is usually in late February or March. (See The Jewish Year).
Purim is a joyful celebration with a carnival atmosphere- it is especially geared towards children with a lot of fun elements to enjoy!
The Background of Purim
The festival of Purim, sometimes known as The Feast of Esther, commemorates the events told in the Book of Esther, which is called the Megillah. This Book is the 21st Book in the Torah, found in the Ketuvim and is the only book in the Torah which does not mention God and the first place where our people as a while are referred to as ‘Jews’. The story of Purim is probably over 2000 years old. It features King Ahasuarus who some scholars think was actually Xerxes 1 who ruled Persia (modern day Iran) from 486-465 B.C.E. or Artaxrexes 11, king from 404-359 B.C.E.
In the historical records of the period there are no actual mentions of Haman, Esther or Mordechai or even any of the incidents in the story.
The Story of Purim
The story itself is long and complicated. (See Jewish Festival Stories).
It takes place in ancient Persia ( modern Iran). At that time the Jews were living peacefully in exile there following the destruction of the First Temple in 586 B.C.E.
The story tells of a young Jewish woman, Esther, who became Queen and with the help of her uncle Mordechai, prevented her husband’s prime minister, Haman, an anti-Semite, from destroying the Jews with his evil plot. Haman drew ‘lots’ to determine on which day to exterminate the Jews. The Hebrew word for ‘lot’ is ‘Pur’ – the plural of which is Purim- hence the name of the festival.
What Happens at Purim
The day before Purim is traditionally a fast day, remembering Esther’s fasting in the story.
There are services in Synagogue the evening before and on the day itself.
In Synagogue
The Purim story is read from a Megillah scroll in Hebrew and English, during both the evening and morning services. It is both a solemn and happy occasion.
It is traditional to cheer when the names Esther and Mordechai are mentioned and hiss, boo and stamp one’s feet to literally drown out the name of Haman. Noisemakers, called Greggors, can also be used. Some examples are football rattles, toy trumpets or homemade jars filled with dried beans. (See Practical Ideas and Activities for Teaching Judaism).
After The Service
It is traditional to hold a Purim party for the whole community. Adults and children dress up, often as characters in the story and/or wear face masks. The custom of dressing up probably comes from pagan carnivals in ancient times and the Catholic practices at Mardi Gras which occur at the same time of year. In Israel, a carnival is held in many towns including Tel Aviv, with children parading through the streets in colourful fancy dress costumes.
During the celebrations the story is re-enacted in a humorous or farcical way- the Purim ‘Spiel’ (pantomime) or sometimes as a puppet show!
Unlike other celebrations, adults are actually encouraged to drink a lot. This comes from a statement in the Talmud which says one should drink on Purim until he can no longer distinguish between the statements ‘Cursed be Haman’ and ‘Blessed be Mordechai’ ie: between good and evil!
It is traditional to eat Hamantashen – triangular shaped pastries meant to symbolise either Haman’s ear shape, his three cornered hat or his pockets that he planned to fill with Jewish gold! These are traditionally filled with a dried fruit or poppy seed mixture or other fillings such as jam, chocolate spread, nuts, dates, cheese or vanilla custard. (See Traditional Jewish Recipes).
The Giving of Gifts
It is traditional to give gifts to each other and particularly to those less fortunate. This follows an instruction in the Book of Esther to ‘make days of feasting and gladness and of sending gifts to one another and gifts to the poor’. Even those who are less well off are expected to do this.
It is very typical that Jewish joy is held to be incomplete if it is totally self-centred. One has to share with others.
Purim is a festival about celebration but also about being charitable – remembering others who are not as fortunate. We are constantly reminded that Tzedakah (Hebrew- charity) – is our religious duty.
Summary
The Purim story is a remembrance and commemoration of the bravery and unity of the Jewish people and a thankful and happy celebration of its survival.
In spite of the mystery surrounding the origins of the story, the underlying message of Purim is one of triumph over evil – the victory of the Jewish minority in the face of persecution. (This also mirrors the message of Chanucah and Passover).
In our history there have been innumerable ‘Haman’s and yet we still survive!
One of the reasons for this is the emphasis placed on being mindful of our history and passing it on to our children in a memorable and appropriate way.
