Purim
Jewish holiday celebrating deliverance from Haman's plot.
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of Haman, an official of the Achaemenid Empire, as recounted in the Book of Esther. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing among Jews, celebrated annually on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (or Adar II in leap years).
- name
- Purim
- also_known_as
- Festival of Lots
- observed_by
- Jews
- date
- 14th of Adar (15th in walled cities like Jerusalem)
- origin_story
- Book of Esther
- key_figures
- Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Ahasuerus
- traditions
- Mishloach manot, mattanot la-evyonim, se'udat Purim, Megillah reading
Lore & Background
According to the Book of Esther, Haman, royal vizier to the Persian king Ahasuerus, plotted to destroy all Jews after Mordecai refused to bow to him. Haman cast lots (purim) to choose the date for annihilation, but his plans were foiled by Queen Esther, Mordecai's cousin and adopted daughter, who revealed her Jewish identity to the king.
Reader's Guide
Purim holds significance as a celebration of Jewish survival against a genocidal threat, with its narrative preserved in the Book of Esther, the last book canonized in the Hebrew Bible. Modern scholarship generally regards the Book of Esther as a historical novel with legendary elements, not a reliable account of Purim's origins. The holiday is observed with public recitation of the Megillah, exchanging gifts of food (mishloach manot), charity to the poor (mattanot la-evyonim), a festive meal with alcoholic beverages (se'udat Purim), and customs such as wearing costumes and eating hamantashen. In cities that were walled at the time of Joshua, including Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar (Shushan Purim). The name derives from the Akkadian word 'pur' meaning 'lot,' referencing Haman's casting of lots to set the date of destruction.
Did You Know?
- Purim is the plural of the Hebrew word 'pur' meaning 'lot,' from Akkadian 𒁓 puru.
- In Hebrew leap years, Purim is celebrated in Adar II, which occurs 7 times in every 19 years.
- Only in Jerusalem is Purim observed on the 15th of Adar (Shushan Purim) today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Purim?
Purim is a Jewish holiday that marks the rescue of the Jewish community from a genocide plot orchestrated by Haman, a high-ranking official in the Achaemenid (Persian) Empire. The story is told in the Book of Esther, where Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai outmaneuver the villain to save their people.
When is Purim celebrated?
Purim falls on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, or Adar II in a leap year. In cities that historically had walls, such as Jerusalem, the celebration shifts to the 15th of Adar.
Who are the main characters in the Purim story?
The narrative centers on Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia; her guardian Mordecai; the antagonist Haman, who schemes to destroy the Jews; and King Ahasuerus, the ruler of the Achaemenid Empire.
What traditions are associated with Purim?
Observers typically read the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther), share festive meals with friends, and give gifts of food to one another. Wearing costumes and booing Haman's name during the public reading are also well-known customs.
Why is Purim important in Jewish tradition?
The holiday commemorates a moment when the Jewish people were saved from a planned extermination, transforming a day of peril into one of joy and feasting. It is distinctive among Jewish holidays in that it emphasizes celebration and gratitude rather than fasting or formal prayer services.
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