Preparing for Purim

Purim commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from death. The word Purim means “lots”. Purim refers to the plot of the king’s advisor to draw “lots” for which Jews to kill first. One of king’s wives, Esther, saved the people by foiling Haman’s plot. The Purim story appears in the the Book of Esther, which is traditionally read on Purim.

Customarily, Purim is one of the drunkest, noisiest holidays: Jewish law commands one to become so drunk that they cannot tell the difference between the names “Mordechai” (the hero of the story) and “Haman”. Additionally, revelers should make as much noise as possible to drown out Haman’s name. The gragger was created specifically for noise-making purposes.

All Jewish people are expected to contribute the same amount on Purim – three half-dollar coins. Children will often dress up – the Queen Esther costume is a traditional choice, but most children choose to dress as more contemporary figures. A feast usually begins in the late afternoon; hamantashen cookies are typically served. Hamantashen means “Haman’s ear” and symbolize the three-cornered hat that Haman wore.

To celebrate:
1. hear the reading of the Book of Esther
2. create a gragger to drown out Haman’s name when it is mentioned
3. eat, drink and be merry
4. send out gifts of food (a common gift is hamantashen) or drink and give to charity

Recommended resources:
My Jewish Learning: Purim

[sources: Holidays.net, Judaism 101]