ICJudaism: A Teacher’s Guide to Judaism

      Hosted by ICTeachers                                                                Formerly: Mike’s Rough Guide to Judaism

Disclaimer:

The contents of these pages represent the author’s personal views, experience and understanding.
There are bound to be some things here that some Jews would disagree with.

 

Purim

Purim is a minor festival which is celebrated on 14th Adar, which usually falls in late February or early March. It is a celebration of the Jewish people’s escape from annihilation at the hands of the evil Haman, vizier to the Persian king, Ahasuerus.

The story is told in the Book of Esther (the only book of the Bible that does not mention God) of how Haman persuaded the king to let him arrange the destruction of a people, whose laws and customs were different and who were, therefore, a security threat. A massacre was planned and lots were drawn to decide when it should be (Purim means lots).

Esther, the cousin and step-daughter of Mordecai, had been chosen by the king in a sort of beauty contest (you’ll have to read the book for the full story) to become his wife. On Mordecai’s advice she kept her Judaism secret. Mordecai got wind of the massacre plot and asked Esther to intercede with the king. At great personal risk (it was a capital offence for anyone, even the queen, to approach the king uninvited) she visited the king and persuaded him to allow her people to defend themselves, which they did successfully.

Purim is celebrated by reading of the Book of Esther in the synagogue. Every time the name of Haman is mentioned the sound of his name is blotted out by football rattles (which are called greggers), whistles and stamping. Carnival-like celebrations are held which include Purim spiels (plays and parodies, sometimes of the Purim story, sometimes not), fancy dress parties - when rabbis and other dignitaries can be mocked and when cross-dressing is encouraged (it is forbidden at all other times). It is also traditional to get drunk; we are enjoined to get sufficiently drunk so that we cannot tell the difference between “Cursed be Haman” and “Blessed be Modecai” (of course those who might be harmed by excess alcohol are excused).

We are also commanded to give mishloach manot, which are gifts of food or drink to friends or family members (to ensure that everyone has enough to celebrate the festival). We are also, separately commanded to give a gift of food or drink to the poor (or to give a charitable donation).

Purim does not require Shabbat-like restrictions.

 

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