A Beginner's Guide to Purim
What is Purim?
Purim is one of the most joyous holidays in the Jewish calendar, celebrating the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s decree of destruction in ancient Persia, as told in the Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther). It is a day filled with rejoicing, charity, feasting, costumes, and celebration.
Purim is observed on the 14th of Adar, except in walled cities (such as Jerusalem), where it is observed on the 15th of Adar, known as Shushan Purim.
The Story of Purim
The events of Purim took place during the Persian Empire (5th century BCE), under the rule of King Ahasuerus. The key figures in the story are:
King Ahasuerus – The Persian king who banished his first wife, Vashti, and later married Esther.
Queen Esther – A Jewish woman who became queen and used her position to save her people.
Mordechai – Esther’s cousin and guardian, who refused to bow to Haman.
Haman – The villain of the story, who plotted to annihilate the Jews but was ultimately defeated.
Who was Vashti?
Vashti was the first queen of King Ahasuerus. According to the Megillah (Book of Esther), she was banished when she refused to appear before the king and his guests during a drunken feast. Some interpretations view Vashti as a rebellious and independent figure who stood up for her dignity, while others see her downfall as a warning against disobedience in the Persian royal court. Her removal paved the way for Esther to become queen and eventually save the Jewish people.
The Key Events of the Megillah
The Rise of Esther: King Ahasuerus dismisses Queen Vashti and chooses Esther, a young Jewish woman, as his new queen.
Haman’s Plot: Haman, the king’s advisor, is enraged when Mordechai refuses to bow to him and convinces the king to issue a decree to destroy the Jews.
Esther’s Courage: Risking her life, Esther approaches the king without being summoned and invites him and Haman to a banquet.
The King’s Favor: That night, the king learns that Mordechai had once saved his life but was never rewarded. Haman, expecting to be honored, is instead forced to parade Mordechai through the streets.
Haman’s Downfall: At the second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and exposes Haman’s plot. The king orders Haman’s execution.
The Jews’ Victory: A new decree allows the Jews to defend themselves, and they emerge victorious.
Establishing Purim: Mordechai and Esther establish the holiday of Purim as a time of celebration and giving.
The Four Mitzvot (Commandments) of Purim
There are four primary mitzvot (commandments) that define the celebration of Purim:
1. Reading the Megillah
The Book of Esther (Megillat Esther) is read in community
It is customary to drown out Haman’s name with noise, using groggers (noisemakers) or stomping feet.
If one cannot attend in person, they should try to hear the reading virtually or from a recording.
2. Mishloach Manot (Sending Gifts of Food)
The mitzvah requires sending ready-to-eat food to at least one person.
Many people give to multiple friends, family members, and community members.
3. Matanot L’evyonim (Gifts to the Poor)
One must give charity (tzedakah) to people in need.
The gift should be enough to allow them to enjoy a Purim meal.
Donations can be given in person or through charitable organizations.
4. Seudat Purim (Festive Meal)
A special festive meal is held on Purim day, filled with joy and gratitude.
Many people hold lively gatherings with songs, laughter, and storytelling.
It is customary for adults to drink wine (within reason) to celebrate the miracle of Purim.
Purim Customs & Traditions
1. Costumes and Masquerades
It is customary to wear costumes on Purim, symbolizing the hidden nature of the Purim miracle.
Some dress as characters from the Megillah (Esther, Mordechai, Haman, Ahasuerus), while others wear creative or humorous costumes.
Many synagogues and Jewish communities hold costume contests and parades.
2. Hamantaschen
Hamantaschen are triangular pastries filled with poppy seeds, jam, chocolate, or other fillings.
The shape is said to resemble Haman’s hat, or his ears.
Baking and sharing hamantaschen is a popular Purim tradition.
3. Purim Shpiels (Comedic Plays)
Many communities put on Purim shpiels, humorous plays reenacting the Megillah story with satire.
These performances often include songs, jokes, and political or community humor.
4. Drinking and Celebration
The Talmud says that one should drink on Purim until they cannot distinguish between "Blessed is Mordechai" and "Cursed is Haman."
While some take this literally, others interpret it as a call for joyful celebration without excess.
Many communities encourage responsible drinking and focus on the spiritual joy of Purim.
Some Traditional Purim Foods
Hamantaschen – Triangular pastries filled with sweet fillings.
Kreplach (Ashkenazi) – Dumplings often eaten in soup, symbolizing hidden miracles.
Challah and Wine – Featured at the Purim meal.
Sweets and Desserts – Signifying the joy of Purim.
How to Celebrate Purim
Whether you are celebrating in a synagogue, at home, or in a community gathering, here’s how to observe Purim:
Attend or listen to a Megillah reading
Send Mishloach Manot to friends and family
Give charity to those in need
Enjoy a festive meal with joy and gratitude
Wear a costume and participate in celebrations
Bake and share Hamantaschen
Attend a Purim shpiel or party
Special Cases: How Purim is Celebrated in Different Circumstances
In a leap year – Purim is celebrated in the second Adar.
Shushan Purim – In cities like Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar.
If one is unable to attend a Megillah reading – They should read from a printed Megillah or listen online.
For someone who cannot give Mishloach Manot – They can ask a friend to give on their behalf.
Purim Greetings
Chag Purim Sameach! (Happy Purim!)
Purim Sameach! (Happy Purim!)
Freilichen Purim! (Yiddish: Happy Purim!)
Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’Simcha (When Adar enters, joy increases!)
Conclusion
Purim is a holiday of joy, resilience, and divine providence. It reminds us that even when challenges arise, hidden miracles can change our fate. Through prayer, community, charity, and celebration, we reaffirm our faith and unity as a people.
May your Purim be filled with joy, laughter, and celebration! ðŸŽðŸŽ‰
Chag Purim Sameach!
Some mixed messages here.
Queen Vashti is banned for refusing to display herself—naked—in front of the kings guests at a drunken party, where all the men display their wives. She stands up for herself. Bad thing to do then and now for a woman to not be controlled by a man.
So when searching for a new queen, Mordecai finds a submissive but beautiful woman, Esther, to present to the king who will submit to all the kings wishes but still be somewhat controlled by Mordecai.
So, the moral of the story is women should be obedient to men and Esther is a hero by being obedient and an obedient woman saves all the Jews?
Sorry, but Vashti is the real hero. So, some later Jews, to diminish Vashti, start claiming she was a rabid anti-Semite, without any support.
Any wonder why so much chauvinism and suppression of women exists in the lands of the three religions of Abraham.
My Jewish girlfriend for past 25 years is my girlfriend because she is more like Vashti than Esther.
I will not bother you and your readers again.