This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Broward chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Not many people know about the holiday Purim, so here it is!
The Story
- King Achashverosh executes his wife and installs a Jewish girl. Esther, as his new queen. Mordechai, her uncle, stops an assassination attempt on the king.
- Hamen the new Prime Minister gets a decree passed calling for the extermination of the Jews around the world.
- The Queen invites the King and the Prime Minister to a feast.
- The King realises Mordechai has not been repaid for saving his life and orders Hamen to lead him around the town on a royal parade.
- At the feast the Queen reveals she is Jewish and Hamen is plotting to kill all her people.
- Hamen is hung and on the planned day of the extermination, the Jewish people are able to take up arms and defend themselves.
The Mitzvot
- The Megillah – We listen to the Megillah, retelling the story of Purim, twice, once in the evening and once in the morning.
- Misloach Manot – To increase love and friendship amongst the Jewish people, we send gifts of food to our friends. At least two items of food to one friend.
- Matanot La’evyonim (Gifts to the Needy) – Sufficient money should be given to two different needy recipients to enable them to purchase food for a meal. It is better to spend more money on this mitzvah than any of the others.
- Seudah (meal) – Invite your nearest and dearest and enjoy your finest foods and drink. Commence the meal whilst it is still day and keep the party well into the night!
The Customs
- Fancy Dress – Let your imagination fly and dress up in style. Dressing up alludes to the fact that a lot of the Purim story developed behind the scenes. Purim was a miracle shrouded by “natural” developments, less overt than the Passover or Chanukkah miracles.
- Boo! – Sanctioned noise making in Synagogue. During the Megillah reading we take it upon ourselves to make a noise when we hear Hamen’s name being read out thus blotting out his name.
- Hamantaschen – Some say they resemble Hamen’s pockets, ears or hat, either way don’t miss out on this Purim themed treat.
The Numbers
- 14th, Day in Adar of Purim.
- 127, Provinces ruled by Achashverosh.
- 180, Days of the Party hosted by King Achashverosh.
- 10, Chapters of the Megillah.