This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Broward chapter.
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.