Jewish – Purim

17 March (Thursday) PURIM Jewish

Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, an Achaemenid Persian Empire official who was planning to kill all the Jews in the empire, as recounted in the Book of Esther, which is read through twice in each synagogue. The name of Haman is drowned out with rattles and hooters and boos by the congregation whenever it is read.

According to the Scroll of Esther, “they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.” Purim is celebrated among Jews by:

• Exchanging gifts of food and drink known as mishloach manot
• Donating charity to the poor known as mattanot la-evyonim
• Eating a celebratory meal known as a se’udat Purim
• Public recitation of the Scroll of Esther, known as kriat ha-megillah, usually in synagogue
• Reciting additions to the daily prayers and the grace after meals, known as Al HaNissim

Picture: An 18th-century manuscript of the prayer of Al HaNissim on the miracles of Purim