What is Purim?

The story

Haman, chief minister of King Ahasuerus, persuaded the king to decree the destruction of all Jews on 13 Adar, choosing the date by lot (pur, hence “Purim”). Queen Esther, urged by her cousin Mordecai, risked her life to plead with the king; the decree was overturned and the Jews defended themselves. God’s name does not appear in the book – the miracle is hidden in events.

Four mitzvot

The Book of Esther itself sets the day as one “of feasting and gladness, sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:22). Hence: hearing the Megillah evening and morning (with noise at Haman’s name in many communities); mishloach manot – at least two kinds of ready-to-eat food to at least one friend; matanot la’evyonim – gifts to at least two poor people; and a festive meal in the afternoon. Maimonides writes that it is better to spend more on gifts to the poor than on the meal and gifts to friends.

Shushan Purim

Cities walled since the time of Joshua – in practice Jerusalem – celebrate on 15 Adar, “Shushan Purim”, because the fighting in Shushan lasted a day longer. In a leap year Purim is in Adar II.

Customs

Costumes, hamantaschen (Haman’s ears), plays and parties are customary. The Talmud says one should drink “until he does not know” the difference between cursed Haman and blessed Mordecai; many authorities limit this to drinking a little more than usual and sleeping, and nobody may endanger health. The Fast of Esther precedes the festival.