begins at sunset on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Its celebration continues through sunset on Sunday, March 20, 2011.
What is Purim?
Purim is the holiday that celebrates how the Jews of Persia were saved from extermination at the hands of Haman, an evil advisor to the king. Purim’s heroine is Queen Esther, who persuaded her husband, the king, to save the Jews and punish Haman instead. The whole story appears in the Bible, in the Book of Esther, also called Megillat Esther or just “the .”
What are some Purim customs and practices?
The megillah is read twice over Purim. It is a custom for some, especially children, to dress up in costumes. During the reading of the megillah, when Haman’s name is said, people jeer and make noises with s (noisemakers). It is also traditional to hand out mishloach manot, or gift baskets, to friends and loved ones, and to make special donations to the poor.
• Make your own creative mishloach manot basket
• Do-it-yourself gragger art project
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What foods are traditionally eaten on Purim?
Purim celebrations are typically heavy on the junk food. Here are some traditional Purim recipes:
• Hamantaschen
• Meat Kreplach
• Candy Infused Vodka
mishloach manot
Pronounced: meesh-LOE-akh mah-NOTE, Origin: Hebrew, literally “sending portions to one another.” A phrase taken from the Megillah [Book of Esther] that commands the Jewish community to give small packages of food or gifts to friends on the day of Purim.
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