Ever walked down a street in Israel and seen people dressed as superheroes, clowns, or even biblical characters in the middle of March? No, it’s not Halloween—it’s Purim, one of the most joyous and lively Jewish holidays! Learn about the delicious Purim cookies (hamantaschen) , the street parties and the reading of the Purim story, this holiday is packed with excitement, meaning, and a whole lot of fun.
The Story Behind Purim
Like any great holiday, Purim has an epic backstory. It takes us back to ancient Persia, where the Jewish people faced a serious threat.
The tale, recorded in the Book of Esther (or the Megillah), follows a brave Jewish woman named Esther, who becomes queen without revealing her true identity. Meanwhile, the villain of the story, Haman, the king’s advisor, hatches a plan to exterminate all the Jews. He even convinces King Ahasuerus to sign off on it!
Enter Mordechai, Esther’s cousin and a respected Jewish leader. He urges Esther to speak up and save her people. But here’s the catch—approaching the king uninvited could cost her life. In an act of incredible courage, Esther risks it all, reveals Haman’s evil plot, and ultimately saves the Jewish people. Haman, on the other hand, gets a taste of his own medicine.
what is the meaning of the name Purim
The name Purim comes from the Hebrew word “pur” (פּוּר), which means “lot” or “lottery.” It refers to the method that Haman, the villain of the Purim story, used to determine the date for his planned destruction of the Jewish people. According to the Book of Esther, Haman cast lots (purim) to choose the day on which the Jews would be annihilated.
However, in a dramatic twist, Queen Esther and Mordechai turned the tables, leading to the survival of the Jewish people and the downfall of Haman. The holiday was named Purim to remind us that even though events seemed to be left to chance, there was a hidden divine plan at work.
So, in essence, Purim symbolizes the idea that what appears to be random or coincidental may actually be part of a greater purpose!
משנכנס אדר מרבים בשמחה
The phrase משנכנס אדר מרבים בשמחה (pronounced Mi-she-nichnas Adar, marbim b’simcha) translates to “When the month of Adar begins, we increase in joy.”
This saying comes from the Talmud (Taanit 29a) and reflects the idea that Adar is a month of happiness and celebration, especially because it includes the holiday of Purim, which commemorates the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people.
So, when Adar arrives, it’s a time to embrace happiness, let go of worries, and celebrate the good in life! 😊🎭🎉
How Purim is Celebrated Today
Fast forward to today, and Purim in Israel and around the world is an explosion of color, music, and festivity. But beyond the parties and costumes, Purim has four main mitzvot (commandments) that keep the holiday’s spirit alive:
1. Reading the Megillah
One of the most exciting parts of Purim is listening to the reading of the Purim story from the Megillah. Every time Haman’s name is mentioned, the crowd boos, hisses, and shakes noisy groggers (Ra-ashanim) to drown it out. It’s a lively and interactive way to retell the story—kids especially love it!
2. Sending Gifts (Mishloach Manot)
Purim is all about spreading joy and kindness. People exchange Mishloach Manot,משלוח מנות which are gift baskets filled with Purim cookies (hamantaschen), sweets, and treats. The idea is to strengthen friendships and community bonds.
3. Giving to the Poor (Matanot La’evyonim)
No one should be left out of the celebration, which is why charity is a huge part of Purim. People donate money or food to those in need so everyone can enjoy a festive meal.
4. The Purim Feast (Seudat Purim)
What’s a holiday without food? The Purim meal is a time to gather with family and friends for a delicious, joy-filled feast. Expect plenty of wine, laughter, and, of course, hamantaschen—the iconic Purim cookies shaped like Haman’s hat (or ears, depending on who you ask!).
The Symbolism of Hamantaschen and Purim Traditions
Speaking of food, hamantaschen is the star of Purim cuisine. These triangle-shaped pastries are traditionally filled with poppy seeds, jam, chocolate, or even Nutella (a modern favorite!).
But why triangles? Some say they represent Haman’s three-cornered hat, while others believe they symbolize the hidden miracles of the Purim story, since the filling is hidden inside. Either way, they’re delicious and a must-have during the holiday!
Fun Purim Activities and Traditions Around the World
Purim isn’t just about traditions—it’s also about having a blast! Here are some of the fun ways people celebrate:
🎭 Costume Parties – People dress up in wild and creative costumes, a tradition that symbolizes how Esther hid her identity. It also adds an extra layer of fun to the holiday!
🎤 Purim Spiels – Think of these as comedic plays or skits retelling the Purim story with a humorous twist. They’re often full of jokes, parodies, and pop culture references.
🎉 Street Festivals and Parades – Purim in Israel is next-level. Cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv host massive street parties, parades, and music festivals. It’s like Mardi Gras, but with a Jewish twist!
Why Purim is More Than Just a Party
Sure, Purim is fun, but there’s a deeper meaning behind the celebrations. The Purim story teaches us about:
💪 Courage – Esther’s bravery reminds us that one person can make a difference.
❤️ Kindness – The holiday encourages giving, sharing, and looking out for others.
✨ Faith and Resilience – Even in dark times, things can turn around in unexpected ways.
Embracing the Spirit of Purim
If you’ve never celebrated Purim before, why not join in this year? Grab a grogger, eat hamantaschen and find a cool costume enjoy some Purim cookies, and let the joy of the holiday take over. After all, life is meant to be celebrated!
Chag Purim Sameach! (Happy Purim!) 🎭🎉✨