Happy Purim!
Mar 20th 2008MargeJewish & Purim
It’s that time again when we celebrate the festival of Purim. Purim is one of my favourite Jewish holidays because we can all dress up, eat loads of goodies, have a drinkie-poo or two or four, and hear the reading of the megillah (also know as the Book of Esther).
Purim takes place on the 14th of Adar (this year being a Jewish leap year it is actually Adar 2), and commemorates the events that took place in ancient Persia over 2000 years ago. Essentially the wicked Haman tried to get the Jews put to death by getting the king Achashveyrosh to make such a decree. Through the actions of Mordechai and Queen Esther the decree was reversed and Haman was killed instead.
For more information have a look at: Torah Tots Purim pages
On Purim there are four mitzvot (good deeds) that are traditionally done:
- Reading of the megillah - in public with much booing and hissing when Haman’s name is mentioned!
- Eat the Purim Seudah - fancy Purim meal with family and friends
- Give Mishloach Manot gifts to two people - gifts of food (that at least two different blessings are said over), and usually containing plenty of sweets!
- Also remember those less well off and give Matanot Le’ Evyonim - or gifts (usually money) to two poor people.
I would like to wish you all Purim Sameach! Hamantashen for all!
