The Feast of Lots — one of the most festive and joyful days in the Jewish calendar, celebrated on the fourteenth of Adar. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from the plot of the royal vizier Haman, as told in the Book of Esther. It is a day of costumes, celebration, and solidarity.
The Book of Esther tells the story of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who saved the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal plot. Haman cast lots — purim in Hebrew — to determine the date for the destruction of the Jews. Through Esther's courage in revealing her Jewish identity to King Ahasuerus and interceding on behalf of her people, the plot was foiled. Uniquely among Jewish holidays, God's name does not appear in the Book of Esther — the story presents salvation through human courage and moral action. Purim has endured as a celebration of Jewish survival and resilience, with themes that resonate across centuries of Jewish history.
The Megillah (Book of Esther) is read aloud in synagogue, with congregants making noise with graggers (noisemakers) to drown out Haman's name whenever it is mentioned. Wearing costumes and masks is traditional, representing the hidden miracles of the story. Mishloach manot — gift baskets of food containing at least two different foods — are sent to friends and neighbors. Matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the poor) fulfills the obligation of charity. A festive Purim seudah (meal) is held, and it is considered a mitzvah to celebrate joyfully. Ad d'lo yada — to the point of not knowing — is the traditional level of festivity encouraged.
“And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday.”— Esther 9:20-22
Chag Purim Sameach — Happy Purim