17 Purim Facts: Read About The Significance Of This Jewish Holiday

The Feast of Purim is observed by Jewish people every year on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar to commemorate the story of the Jewish Queen, Esther of Persia, and her role in saving the Jews from persecution. The Purim story, which has been chronicled in the Book of Esther, is regarded as the first historical account of anti-semitism.

The literal translation of the word 'Purim' is 'lots', therefore, the eve is also known as the Feast of Lots. The history of Purim, when viewed under the lenses of truth, turns out to be a grim one. The first Purim celebrations by the Jews, which date back to the 5th century BCE, originated as a story of evading genocide at the hands of an Achaemenid Persian Empire official known as Haman. Historically, Purim is observed on the day following the Jews' victory over their enemies, usually on the 14th of Adar. Only the fortified cities, including the Persian capital of Shushan, celebrated it on the 15th of Adar as it took them a day longer to overcome the Persian forces.

History Of Purim

During the 4th century BCE, the minority Jewish communities were under the sovereignty of the Persian empire, which spanned a total of 127 lands. The Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible chronicles the Purim story.

The story of Purim is rooted in the aftermath of King Ahasuerus' marriage with the Jewish Queen, Esther.

Mordecai, the queen's guardian, advised Esther to keep her Jewish identity a secret in order to avoid any conflict with the crown.

Ahesuerus' viceroy, Haman, and Mordecai shared a degree of animosity toward each other, and the former plays the role of antagonist in this story. As a form of vendetta, because Mordecai refused to bow down to him, Haman insisted the king persecute the lives of all Jews under the empire of ancient Persia.

The literal translation of the word 'Purim' is 'lots'. Hence, the word itself being related to lottery refers to Haman's method of choosing a date to execute his plan of massacring the Jews, that is, on the 14th day of Adar. However, little did Haman know that the Jews had a Trojan Horse in their arsenal, the King's wife, whose role would be instrumental in deciding the outcome of the war.

Mordecai approached his niece, Esther, to explain the severity of the situation. He urged her to advance negotiations with King Ahasuerus, on behalf of the helpless Jews. Mordecai warned that the safety of every Jew, including her, would be put in jeopardy if she remained silent.

In agreement with her uncle, Esther observed a three-day fast. Furthermore, the queen revealed her Jewish faith and raised an appeal to her husband, Ahasuerus, to save her people. The King ordered the execution of Haman after finding out that his own wife was Jewish.

Even though Ahasuerus wasn't authorized to command the withdrawal of the decree that would carry out the annihilation of the Jewish people, it was well within the King's powers to issue a new decree. Hence, Mordecai and Esther were put in charge to author the decree that would allow the Jewish soldiers to defend themselves.

Since the Jewish soldiers had already been forewarned, they were able to overcome a force of 75,000 potential attackers on the 13th of Adar. What is celebrated as Purim marks the day (the 14th of Adar) that the soldiers took their respite.

Importance And Significance 

Traditionally, the Jewish calendar prescribed the fortified cities, including the Persian capital of Shushan, to celebrate Purim on the 15th day of Adar. This symbolizes the fact that the Jews in these cities took two days (the 13th and 14th of Adar) to oversee the victory against their enemies, which means that they took their respite on the 15th day of Adar, on what is known as 'Shushan Purim'.

The Story of Esther, which is included in King James' version of the Holy Bible, is the first historical account of anti-Semitism.

There is no mention of 'god' or 'prayers' in the Book of Esther. Not god itself, but it is the courage and faith shown by Mordecai and Esther that Jews around the world collectively celebrate during Purim.

Purim commemorates the date of the Jews' recovery from persecution, that is, the 14th day of Adar.

Today, Jerusalem is one of the only remaining cities that is known to celebrate the holiday on the 15th of Adar.

Traditions And Main Message Of Purim

The earliest celebration of the Jewish holiday, Purim, can be traced back to the 5th century BCE. During this time, torching an effigy of Haman was incorporated as a part of celebrating the occasion.

The day preceding Purim is observed as a day of fasting by the Jews to memorialize Queen Esther's 3 day-long fast for her people.

The most notable Purim services include the public reading of the Book of Esther or Megillah. This biblical scripture gives a detailed account of the Purim miracle.

The reading of the Book of Esther is one of the loudest Purim ceremonies. The purpose of using noisemakers during the reading of the Megillah is to cancel out the name of Haman. People stamp their feet on the ground, clap their hands, and even use groggers to nullify the sound of the villain's name.

Mishloach manot comprises an essential part of the occasion. It refers to the custom of sending gifts containing at least two different varieties of food to family and friends on the day of Purim. These Purim baskets cannot be sent personally and need to be sent via the medium of a third party. The typical gifts can range anywhere from a bottle of wine to Purim treats, snacks, or even canned foods. Hamentashen, which looks like hat-shaped cookies, is the most common Purim treat.

Jewish people are required to offer charity in the form of food or money to at least two poor people as another interesting Purim custom.

A festive meal, including wine and meat, is an essential Purim mitzvah. It is preceded by Minchah or the afternoon prayer services.

People celebrate the holiday by wearing traditional Jewish costumes and masquerading their faces under masks.

Purim spiels, which include the satirical dramatization of the Purim story and parodies of popular music, are theatrical performances that are performed annually on the eve of Purim.

The holiday of Purim recounts the tale of Jewish redemption from the hands of Haman, who wished to persecute every Jew under the Persian empire on the 13th day of Adar. Since the Jews were able to resist this attack, the holiday of Purim was often associated with hope and promise. The exchange of gifts and acts of philanthropy can be summed up as symbols of solidarity that the Jews feel toward each other. In 2022, the observance of Purim will begin on the evening of 16th March and will conclude at nightfall the following day.

FAQs

Is Purim in the Bible?

Yes, the authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible contains this scripture.

What are the traditions of Purim?

The day comprises four essential mitzvahs, with the public reading of the Book of Esther being one of them. Mishloach manot or the sending out of gift packages (food and drinks), Matanot La'evyonim or indulgence in charity giving, and Se`udat mitzvah, that is, feasting on a sumptuous meal are included as the other 3 mitzvahs which are observed during the daytime hours of Purim.

Why is Purim so important?

The celebration of Purim holds significance as it marks the day the Jews were saved from persecution.

How did Purim get its name?

The literal translation of the word 'Purim' is 'lots'. Hence, the word itself being related to lottery refers to Haman's method of choosing a date to execute his plan of massacring the Jews, that is, on the 14th day of Adar.

What is the main message of Purim?

Purim is most notably associated with feelings of hope and a sense of promise because the date marks the day that the Jews were saved from persecution. This makes the celebration of Purim a symbolic extension of the collective solidarity that Jews demonstrated while resisting Haman's attack.

What is Purim and how is it celebrated?

Purim is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. Apart from the observance of the four mitzvahs, the day is celebrated by donning a festive costume, wearing masks, eating Purim delicacies like Hamentashen and Kreplach, and engaging in boisterous revelries. Purim spiels, which include the satirical dramatization of the Purim story and parodies of popular music, are theatrical performances that are performed annually on the eve of Purim.