Purim — פורים
Starts at sunset on March 22, 2027 and ends at Sunset March 28, 2026.
Summary
Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday that celebrates the rescue of the Jewish people from a plan to destroy them while they were living in the Persian Empire.
The story is told in Megillat Esther, the Book of Esther. Haman, a powerful official in the court of King Achashverosh, became enraged with Mordechai, a Jewish leader who refused to bow to him. Haman then persuaded the king to issue a decree allowing the destruction of the Jewish people throughout the empire.
Queen Esther, who was Jewish but had not publicly revealed her identity, risked her life by approaching the king without being summoned. With Mordechai’s encouragement and the prayers of the Jewish people, Esther revealed Haman’s plan. The king turned against Haman, and the Jews were allowed to defend themselves.
Purim celebrates the survival of Am Yisrael and the hidden ways HaShem can guide events even when His presence is not obvious.
The main observances of Purim include hearing Megillat Esther at night and again during the day, giving food to friends, giving money or food to people in need, and having a festive Purim meal.
Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar. In Jerusalem and certain other ancient walled cities, it is celebrated on the 15th of Adar and is called Shushan Purim.
What Purim Means
The word Purim comes from the word pur, meaning “lot.”
Haman cast lots to determine the date on which he planned to destroy the Jewish people.
What Haman believed was a random choice eventually became the date of a Jewish celebration.
This is one of the important messages of Purim.
Events that appear random may be part of something much larger that we do not yet understand.
The Book of Esther never directly mentions the name of HaShem, yet Jewish tradition sees HaShem’s presence throughout the entire story.
Purim therefore teaches us to look for HaShem even when His involvement is hidden.
The Jewish People in Persia
The Purim story takes place after the destruction of the First Beit HaMikdash, when many Jews were living outside Eretz Yisrael.
The Persian Empire controlled a huge territory.
Megillat Esther describes the kingdom of Achashverosh as stretching across 127 provinces.
Many Jews had established lives within the empire.
The Purim story reminds us that Jewish life in exile can sometimes feel secure until circumstances suddenly change.
It also shows the importance of Jewish identity and community during difficult times.
King Achashverosh
The story begins with King Achashverosh holding an enormous feast.
Queen Vashti refuses to appear before the king when ordered to do so, and she is removed from her position.
A search begins for a new queen.
Esther, a Jewish woman being raised by her relative Mordechai, is eventually chosen.
Mordechai instructs Esther not to reveal that she is Jewish.
At this point, neither Esther nor Mordechai knows why she has been placed in such an important position.
Later, that position becomes essential to saving the Jewish people.
Mordechai — מרדכי
Mordechai is one of the central figures of Purim.
He is described as a Jew living in Shushan, the Persian capital.
Mordechai refuses to bow to Haman.
Haman becomes furious, but instead of seeking revenge against Mordechai alone, he decides to target the entire Jewish people.
Mordechai eventually learns about Haman’s decree and tells Esther that she must act.
His words to Esther contain one of the most powerful ideas in the Megillah.
He tells her that perhaps she reached her royal position precisely for this moment.
This teaches us that sometimes responsibility appears because we are the person who happens to be in a position to help.
Esther — אסתר
Esther begins the story as a Jewish woman living quietly in Persia.
She eventually becomes queen.
When Mordechai tells her about Haman’s plan, Esther understands that approaching the king without permission could result in her death.
She asks the Jewish people to fast for her.
Then she says:
וכאשר אבדתי אבדתי
“and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther chooses to act even though she cannot be certain of the outcome.
Her courage becomes one of the central lessons of Purim.
Faith does not always mean knowing that everything will turn out exactly as we hope.
Sometimes it means doing what is right even when the result is uncertain.
Haman — המן
Haman is the main enemy in the Purim story.
After Mordechai refuses to bow to him, Haman decides that killing Mordechai alone is not enough.
He wants to destroy the entire Jewish people.
Haman persuades Achashverosh to approve his plan.
He describes the Jews as a scattered people whose laws are different from those of other nations.
This part of the story has remained meaningful throughout Jewish history because Jews have repeatedly faced hostility for being different.
Purim reminds us that Jewish identity is something worth protecting rather than hiding out of fear.
The Fast of Esther — תענית אסתר
Before Purim, Jews observe Ta’anit Esther, the Fast of Esther.
The fast generally takes place on the 13th of Adar.
It remembers the fasting connected with Esther and the Jewish people’s appeal for HaShem’s help.
It is a daytime fast beginning at dawn and ending after nightfall.
Healthy adults who are obligated generally refrain from eating and drinking.
As with other minor fasts, people with health concerns should follow proper medical and halachic guidance.
The Fast of Esther prepares us spiritually for the celebration that follows.
Hearing Megillat Esther — מקרא מגילה
One of the main mitzvot of Purim is hearing the entire Megillat Esther.
The Megillah is read once at night and again during the day.
In an Orthodox synagogue, it is usually read from a handwritten kosher parchment scroll.
Everyone listening should try to hear every word.
This is why synagogues sometimes remind people not to make unnecessary noise while the Megillah is being read.
The reading tells the complete story of Esther, Mordechai, Haman, and the deliverance of the Jewish people.
The Blessings Before the Megillah
Before the Megillah reading, blessings are recited.
Blessing for Reading the Megillah
Hebrew:
ברוך אתה ה׳ אלהינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על מקרא מגילה
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al mikra Megillah.
English:
Blessed are You, HaShem our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the reading of the Megillah.
Blessing for the Miracles
Hebrew:
ברוך אתה ה׳ אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה נסים לאבותינו בימים ההם בזמן הזה
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.
English:
Blessed are You, HaShem our God, King of the universe, Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time.
Shehecheyanu
Hebrew:
ברוך אתה ה׳ אלהינו מלך העולם שהחיינו וקימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu v’kiyemanu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.
English:
Blessed are You, HaShem our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this time.
Making Noise at Haman’s Name
In many communities, people make noise when Haman’s name is read.
Children may use a grogger, called a ra’ashan in Hebrew.
Others may stamp their feet or make another brief noise.
The custom expresses the desire to erase the memory of Haman.
However, everyone still needs to hear every word of the Megillah.
The reader generally waits for the noise to stop before continuing.
Some Sephardic and Mizrahi communities use much less noise than is common in Ashkenazi synagogues.
Mishloach Manot — משלוח מנות
Another major mitzvah of Purim is Mishloach Manot.
This means sending portions of food to another person.
At minimum, the mitzvah generally involves sending two different ready-to-eat foods or drinks to one person.
Many families prepare baskets or packages containing food, sweets, fruit, drinks, or other items.
The deeper purpose is not simply giving presents.
Mishloach Manot helps create friendship and unity within the Jewish community.
Haman described the Jewish people as scattered and divided.
Purim answers that accusation by encouraging Jews to connect with one another.
Matanot La’Evyonim — מתנות לאביונים
Giving to people in need is another central mitzvah of Purim.
Matanot La’Evyonim means gifts to the poor.
The mitzvah is fulfilled by giving to at least two people in need on Purim.
Money or food may be given.
Many people give through a synagogue or trusted charity that distributes the funds on Purim.
This mitzvah is especially important because Purim joy is not supposed to belong only to people who can afford a large meal.
The community has a responsibility to help others celebrate too.
The Rambam strongly emphasizes bringing happiness to people who are poor or alone as part of the joy of Purim.
The Purim Seudah — סעודת פורים
Purim includes a festive meal called the Purim Seudah.
The meal is held during the daytime.
People gather with family and friends for food, Torah, conversation, and celebration.
Bread is normally included in a traditional meal.
Many families serve wine or other drinks.
Songs and Divrei Torah are common.
The atmosphere is joyful.
The purpose is not simply to have a party.
The meal celebrates the fact that HaShem saved the Jewish people.
Wine and Purim
Wine has a special place in the Purim story because important events take place during banquets involving wine.
The Talmud contains a famous statement about drinking on Purim until a person cannot distinguish between “cursed is Haman” and “blessed is Mordechai.”
Orthodox authorities have understood and applied this teaching in different ways.
Some encourage more drinking than usual.
Others say a person can fulfill the custom by drinking a little more than normal and then sleeping.
Jewish law never requires someone to become dangerous, violent, sick, or irresponsible.
A person should never drink and drive.
Someone who cannot safely drink alcohol should not do so.
Purim joy should lead to mitzvot and community, not harm.
Al HaNissim — על הנסים
A special prayer called Al HaNissim is added to the Amidah and Birkat HaMazon on Purim.
The prayer thanks HaShem for the miracles and salvation of the Purim story.
It tells how Haman planned to destroy the Jewish people and how HaShem overturned his plan.
The prayer emphasizes that the rescue of the Jewish people ultimately came from HaShem.
The Torah Reading
During Shacharit on Purim morning, a section of the Torah describing Amalek is read.
The reading comes from Sefer Shemot.
This connects Purim with the larger Torah story of Amalek.
Haman is traditionally identified as a descendant of Amalek.
The reading reminds us that the struggle represented by Haman is part of a much older spiritual conflict.
Shabbat Zachor
The Shabbat before Purim is called Shabbat Zachor.
A special Torah passage is read commanding us to remember what Amalek did to Bnei Yisrael after the Exodus.
The Hebrew word zachor means “remember.”
This reading prepares us for Purim and for understanding Haman’s connection with Amalek.
For Orthodox Jews, hearing Parashat Zachor has special importance.
Costumes
Wearing costumes on Purim is a popular Jewish custom.
It is not one of the formal mitzvot of Purim.
The practice is often connected with the theme of hidden identity.
Esther initially hides the fact that she is Jewish.
HaShem’s presence is also hidden throughout the Megillah.
Things are repeatedly not what they first appear to be.
Costumes can therefore reflect one of the deeper themes of the holiday.
They also make Purim especially enjoyable for children.
Purim and Hidden Miracles
Purim is unusual because the Megillah never explicitly mentions HaShem’s name.
There is no splitting of the sea.
There is no fire coming down from Heaven.
Instead, a series of events happens at exactly the right time.
Esther becomes queen.
Mordechai discovers a plot against the king.
The king cannot sleep one night.
Mordechai’s earlier good deed is suddenly remembered.
Haman’s plans begin to collapse.
From an Orthodox perspective, this teaches us about hester panim, times when HaShem’s presence may be hidden.
Not every miracle looks supernatural.
Sometimes HaShem works through ordinary events.
V’Nahapoch Hu — ונהפוך הוא
One of the most famous ideas in the Megillah is:
ונהפוך הוא
V’nahapoch hu.
“It was turned around.”
Haman plans to destroy the Jewish people.
Instead, Haman is destroyed.
Mordechai is supposed to be humiliated.
Instead, Mordechai is honored.
The Jews are supposed to become victims.
Instead, they are able to defend themselves.
Purim teaches us that situations can change in ways we never expected.
A moment that appears hopeless may not be the end of the story.
Purim in Jerusalem — Shushan Purim
Most Jews celebrate Purim on the 14th of Adar.
Jerusalem celebrates Purim on the 15th of Adar.
This day is called Shushan Purim.
The distinction comes from the Megillah.
The Jews in most places defeated their enemies on the 13th of Adar and celebrated on the 14th.
In the capital city of Shushan, fighting continued for another day, so the celebration took place on the 15th.
The rabbis established that cities surrounded by walls from ancient times celebrate on the 15th.
Jerusalem is the best known modern example.
This means Purim is celebrated one day later in Jerusalem than in places such as Houston, New York, or Tel Aviv.
Purim in a Jewish Leap Year
The Hebrew calendar sometimes has a leap year containing two months of Adar.
They are called Adar I and Adar II.
In a leap year, the main celebration of Purim takes place in Adar II.
The 14th and 15th of Adar I are known as Purim Katan and Shushan Purim Katan.
They have some minor festive character, but the main Purim mitzvot are performed in Adar II.
Is Work Permitted?
Purim is not a Yom Tov with the same work restrictions as Shabbat or Pesach.
Driving, using electricity, and ordinary weekday activities are generally permitted.
However, there is a traditional custom to avoid unnecessary ordinary work during the main daytime hours of Purim when possible.
The goal is to give proper attention to the mitzvot and celebration of the day.
Ashkenazi Purim Customs
Ashkenazi communities often celebrate Purim with lively Megillah readings, costumes, groggers, festive meals, and elaborate Mishloach Manot.
Hamantaschen are strongly associated with Ashkenazi Purim.
These triangular pastries may be filled with poppy seeds, fruit, chocolate, or other fillings.
Yiddish Purim songs and humorous performances have also been part of Ashkenazi tradition.
Some communities hold a Purim spiel, a humorous play based loosely on the story of Esther.
The humor of Purim has long allowed people to laugh at powerful figures and temporarily turn ordinary social expectations upside down.
Sephardic Purim Customs
Sephardic communities observe the same central mitzvot but often have different foods, melodies, and synagogue traditions.
Megillat Esther may be read using a traditional Sephardic cantillation that sounds very different from Ashkenazi reading.
Some Sephardic communities make less noise during Haman’s name.
Families may prepare special pastries or breads instead of hamantaschen.
In some communities, food gifts are carefully prepared using traditional family recipes.
Purim songs may be sung in Hebrew, Ladino, or other languages historically used by Sephardic Jews.
Mizrahi Purim Customs
Mizrahi Jewish communities developed their own Purim traditions in places such as Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Kurdistan.
The Megillah may be read with melodies preserved for generations within a particular community.
Families may prepare special rice dishes, pastries, sweets, or foods associated with their region.
Some communities historically held large family gatherings or community meals.
In several Middle Eastern Jewish cultures, Purim became a particularly joyful time for children.
As with other Jewish holidays, there is no single Mizrahi Purim tradition.
An Iraqi Jewish Purim may look different from a Persian or Yemenite one.
Purim Foods
There is no specific food required by halachah for Purim.
Many foods became associated with the holiday through local Jewish cultures.
Ashkenazi Jews commonly eat hamantaschen.
Some Sephardic communities prepare pastries or special breads.
Persian Jewish families may prepare foods reflecting Persian Jewish cuisine.
Iraqi Jews may have their own traditional sweets or dishes.
The foods vary, but the purpose of the Seudah and Mishloach Manot remains shared throughout the Jewish world.
Purim and Jewish Unity
Haman describes the Jews as:
עם אחד מפזר ומפרד
“One people scattered and dispersed.”
Purim responds to that description with mitzvot that bring Jews together.
We send food to one another.
We make sure people in need can celebrate.
We gather to hear the Megillah.
We share a festive meal.
The holiday teaches that Jewish survival depends partly upon Jews caring about other Jews.
A person should not have to celebrate Purim alone simply because nobody remembered to invite them.
Purim and Tzedakah
Purim places unusually strong emphasis on giving.
Matanot La’Evyonim is not an optional extra.
It is one of the central mitzvot of the day.
The Rambam teaches that it is better to spend more on helping poor people than on making an extravagant Purim meal or sending expensive food packages to friends.
The reason is simple.
There is no greater joy than bringing happiness to someone who needs help.
Purim teaches that our own celebration should make us more generous toward others.
Purim and Courage
Esther’s courage is one of the central lessons of the holiday.
She does not begin as someone seeking political power.
She finds herself in a situation where she is able to help.
Mordechai challenges her to recognize that responsibility.
We may also encounter moments when staying silent is easier than speaking.
Purim asks us to think about what we do when another person needs us.
Courage does not always mean fighting an army.
Sometimes courage means speaking when remaining quiet would be easier.
Purim and Jewish Identity
Esther initially keeps her Jewish identity hidden.
Eventually she must reveal it.
That moment changes everything.
For Jews who have sometimes felt pressure to hide who they are, Purim can be especially meaningful.
Being Jewish has not always been easy.
There have been times when openly identifying as Jewish carried real danger.
Purim remembers one of those times while celebrating the fact that the Jewish people survived.
It reminds us to value the Jewish identity that earlier generations fought to preserve.
Purim for Someone New to Jewish Observance
Purim is an easy holiday to experience even if someone knows very little about synagogue life.
Attend a Megillah reading.
Listen to the story.
Give some money to people in need.
Prepare food for a friend.
Join a Purim meal.
Wear a costume if you want.
Ask someone to explain the parts of the service you do not understand.
You do not need to know everything before participating.
Purim itself is about Jews gathering together.
Community can be part of how we learn.
A Tevel Zion Lesson From Purim
Purim begins with Jewish people scattered throughout a huge empire.
They live in many places, and their future suddenly becomes uncertain.
That can feel surprisingly familiar.
Today, Jews may live far from a synagogue or far from other Jewish families.
Some are deeply observant.
Others may have very little connection to Jewish religious life.
Some may feel nervous walking into a synagogue because they are afraid they will not know what to do.
Purim teaches us that scattered Jews are still one people.
Mishloach Manot tells us to reach out to one another.
Matanot La’Evyonim reminds us to notice people who need help.
The Megillah reminds us to remember HaShem even when His presence seems hidden.
Esther reminds us that sometimes we are placed in a position where we can make a difference for someone else.
That difference may begin with something small.
Invite someone to a Purim meal.
Send food to a Jew who lives alone.
Answer someone’s question without making them feel embarrassed.
Help someone experience their first Megillah reading.
Give tzedakah.
Have fun together.
Purim teaches us that Jewish community becomes stronger when we stop seeing another Jew’s loneliness as someone else’s problem.
HaShem may work through remarkable events, but He also gives us opportunities to become part of the answer.
Sometimes helping another Jew feel that they belong may be one of those opportunities.
Leave a Reply