Purim: the story of Esther פּוּרִים

The Book of Esther tells how Haman, minister of King Ahasuerus, cast lots (purim) to choose a day to annihilate the Jews. Queen Esther, a Jew who had hidden her origins, risked her life to plead before the king, with her cousin Mordechai; the decree was overturned and the day of danger became a day of victory. Mordechai and Esther then established the 14th of Adar as a yearly festival.

God’s name never appears in the Book of Esther. The rescue seems to come through coincidences and human courage, and the Sages saw in this the hidden hand of providence. That is one reason for disguises on Purim: what is visible is not the whole story.

• Costumes are worn by children and adults in almost all communities.
• Hamantaschen (oznei Haman), triangular filled cookies, are the classic Ashkenazi treat; Sephardi and Moroccan families bake ojos de Haman and special breads with an egg baked inside.
• Some Sephardi communities read the Megillah with distinct melodies and say the blessing Harav et rivenu only after the reading; Ashkenazim say it as well – the wording differs slightly between rites.
• In Jerusalem and other walled cities, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar (Shushan Purim).

Dates follow the Diaspora schedule. Jewish days begin at sundown: a holiday starts in the evening before its first day and ends at nightfall.

Israel and the Diaspora

Purim falls on the same day in Israel and the Diaspora (14 Adar), except in Jerusalem, which celebrates on 15 Adar (Shushan Purim). In a leap year Purim is in Adar II.

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Jewish holidays 2026

• Birkat HaMazon (Grace after Meals) ברכת המזון

• Purim Sameach (פורים שמח) – “Happy Purim”.
• Chag Purim Sameach (חג פורים שמח) – “Happy Purim festival”.

When is Purim in 2027?

In 2027, Purim falls on Tuesday, March 23, 2027 and begins at sundown the evening before (Monday, March 22, 2027).

Is work allowed on Purim?

Purim is not a Yom Tov: work is permitted, though it is better to limit it so as to focus on the mitzvot of the day. Driving and phones are allowed.

What is Shushan Purim?

Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar in cities walled since the time of Joshua – today, in practice, Jerusalem – because in Shushan the Jews fought on the 14th and rested on the 15th.

What should I put in mishloach manot?

At least two different ready-to-eat foods or drinks (for example a pastry and a drink), sent to at least one person. It should be a respectable portion.

Why do people dress up on Purim?

Among the reasons: the hidden miracle of the story, Esther hiding her identity, and the joy of the day. The custom is first recorded in the Middle Ages.

• Esther 9:22

  כַּיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר־נָחוּ בָהֶם הַיְּהוּדִים מֵאוֹיְבֵיהֶם וְהַחֹדֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר נֶהְפַּךְ לָהֶם מִיָּגוֹן לְשִׂמְחָה וּמֵאֵבֶל לְיוֹם טוֹב לַעֲשׂוֹת אוֹתָם יְמֵי מִשְׁתֶּה וְשִׂמְחָה וּמִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ וּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים

  Days of feasting and joy, sending portions to one another and gifts to the poor – the mitzvot of Purim.

• Talmud Bavli, Megillah 4a, 7a–b

  Reading the Megillah at night and by day; mishloach manot, matanot la’evyonim and the festive meal.

• Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 686–697

  The Fast of Esther, the Megillah, the gifts and the meal; Shushan Purim in walled cities.

Hebrew verses: Westminster Leningrad Codex (public domain) via the Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible. The explanations on this page are our own, not translations.

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For learning and general information only. Customs differ between communities; for halachic questions ask your rabbi.