Purim
What is Purim?
Evening of March 13 - 14, 2025 / 14 Adar, 5785
Purim is a joyful holiday marking the deliverance of the Jews of Persia from a plot to annihilate them. We celebrate with music, costumes, parties, satirical plays (known in Yiddish as “Purim Shpiels”), food, and drink. From the first day of the Hebrew month of Adar, we are commanded to “Be Happy!”
It is customary to celebrate this holiday by dressing in costumes, eating and drinking, and listening to the Megillah (the Book of Esther which tells the story of Purim).
| Ahashuerus.......... | King of Persia |
| Vashti.................. | First Wife of the King |
| Mordechai............ | Leader of the Jews |
| Esther................. | Second Wife of the King |
| Haman................ | Prime Minister and Villain |
The Gragger
It is customary to scream, hiss, and make noise with a gragger at the mention of Haman’s name during the reading of the Megillah.
Hamantaschen
The word hamantashen derived from two German words: mohn (poppy seed) and taschen (pockets). Mohntaschen is German for “poppy seed pockets” and was a popular German pastry. Hamantaschen means “Haman’s pockets” and became a popular Purim pastry. It was rumored that the evil Haman’s pockets were filled with bribe money.
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
1. Listen to the Megillah (story of Purim)
2. Give tzedakah (money or a meal) to those in need
3. Send gifts of food to friends and family
4. Eat a festive meal
