What Is Purim?

The festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day.”

The story in a nutshell:

The Persian empire of the 4th century BCE extended over 127 lands, and all the Jews were its subjects. When King Ahasuerus had his wife, Queen Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders, he orchestrated a beauty pageant to find a new queen. A Jewish girl, Esther, found favor in his eyes and became the new queen—though she refused to divulge the identity of her nationality.

Meanwhile, the anti-Semitic Haman was appointed prime minister of the empire. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews (and Esther’s cousin), defied the king’s orders and refused to bow to Haman. Haman was incensed, and convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of all the Jews on the 13th of Adar—a date chosen by a lottery Haman made.

Mordechai galvanized all the Jews, convincing them to repent, fast and pray to G‑d. Meanwhile, Esther asked the king and Haman to join her for a feast. At the feast, Esther revealed to the king her Jewish identity. Haman was hanged, Mordechai was appointed prime minister in his stead, and a new decree was issued—granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies.

On the 13th of Adar, the Jews mobilized and killed many of their enemies. On the 14th of Adar, they rested and celebrated.

Purim observances:

a) Reading of the megillah (book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle. b) Giving money gifts to the poor. c) Sending gifts of food to friends. d) A festive Purim feast.

It is also customary for children to dress up in disguising costumes.

Useful Links:

Virtual Purim—a website offering the story of Purim, detailed how-tos, articles and essays, games, Purim songs and video clips, and a global Purim costume contest.

The book of Esther with commentary.

Click here for a listing of Purim’s corresponding secular dates for the upcoming years.

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March 31, 2013

in Haman's plot are the jews in Israel at that are also to be killed?

I am happy about Esther and the risk she took to protect the Jews from annihilation.and this article gives some useful information. can any body tell me the first edict of Ahasuerus involves Jews in Israel also?

MEDITHI MOHAN KUMAR
india

February 23, 2013

Celebration of Purim

One woman, Esther, changed Jewish History!! God can and does work through all who love and fear Him. There is nothing impossible for God. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Happy Purim to all that have been saved from the hand of the enemy.

Rosemary
Lancaster, CA

February 10, 2013

Stomping Evil

The only way to eradicate evil that people do to to others is by absorbing the good. But, unfortunately, there are many seeds born which appear entirely evil, but even these might be necessary in our overcoming. Otherwise, why would Hashem allow them to be here.

Angela Hoffberg

January 28, 2013

thanks for helping us understand that God uses equally men and women to accomplish His purposes. Esther's story fascinates me.

Maria Dolores Cruz
Los Angeles, California, USA

March 17, 2012

purim

Hi there
My comment is on the seemingly unimportant detail of calling the Nation once a "Jew " then "Jewish " .
Please explain this to me once ,so i'll know when to use which of them ...
Best regards

laszlo katona
budapest, hungary

March 8, 2012

PROVIDENCE

I am a Christian, and currently leading a study on the book of Esther. For 19 weeks we are going verse by verse using Beth Moore's Esther: It's tough Being a Woman. After hearing Bibi Netanyahu's speech March 5th I'm more amazed than ever at the providence of God! He said " This week we will read how one woman changed Jewish history. .....we will celebrate Purim; and how some 2,500 years ago a Persian anti-Semite tried to annihilate the Jewish people. And we will read how that plot was foiled by one woman, Esther. (his entire speech can be easily found on the web) That is how significant this ancient story is for us (yes, Christians as well) today! As we've been learning, "though there is no mention of God in the book of Esther He is all over the page!" Providence! Thank you for this web site, for helping me dig deeper into history, and just how this all connects to us today! Happy Purim Everyone!

Cheryl Usalis
Frankfort, Il

March 7, 2012

Destroy any enemy of the jewish people before they destroy us.

Jack T. Ripper
New York, NY

March 7, 2012

thank you

I know that my grandparents were polish jews, but as my mother was buddist, I have never had a chance to learn about my heritage until I discovered this site by accident. Thank you for helping me to understand myself and my family a bit more.

April Spiva
New Orleans, Louisiana

March 7, 2012

King Ahasuerus decree still in effect.

It is interesting to note that when Vashti rufused to obey King Ahasuerus, that the king made a decree and published it throughout all his empire. He made a law that said, "All wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small" and "That every man should bear rule in his own house". To this day, the wives,girls and women in that whole area are still under strict subjection all because of Vashti. Happy Purim!

Ansono
Garland, Texas

March 7, 2012

The book of Esther and today.

The book of Esther is the same situation as it is today between Israel and Iran and Ahmadinejad and Haman. Haman was promoted to a high position, Esther 3:1. Haman, in his wrath, "sought to destroy the Jews". Haman sends letters to all provinces to "kill the Jews", Esther 3:13. Haman builds gallows (nuclear bombs?) to hang Mordecai the Jew, Esther 5:14. Haman is killed by being hanged on the same gallows (nuclear bombs?) that he had built to hang Mordecai on, Esther 8:7. Haman's house is also killed by hanging on the gallows he built, Esther 8:7. The "King" grants the Jews, self protection, "to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish" all those that would assault (kill) them (Jews), both little ones and women", Esther 8:11. On a predetermined "day", the Jews would "in the day that their enemies hoped to have power over them, to the contrary, the Jews had rule (victory) over them that HATED them (pre-emptive strike?). Esther 9:1. Notice the similar words, Haman, Hamas, Hassan.

Ansono
Garland, USA

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