The four mitzvot of Purim can be traced back to the events described in the Book of Esther, which recounts how the Jewish people in Persia were saved, thanks to the brave and clever actions of Esther and Mordecai, from destruction at the hands of the villainous Haman. After their victory, Mordecai and Esther established Purim as an annual celebration (Esther 9:22), instructing the Jewish people to mark the occasion with joy, feasting and acts of kindness. The rabbis determined that the four obligations of Purim are:
- Reading the Megillah (Mikra Megillah)
- Giving food gifts to friends (Mishloach manot)
- Giving charity to those in need (Matanot l’evyonim)
- Holding a festive meal (Seudat Purim)
Reading the Megillah
The first of Purim’s central mitzvot is the only one not found in the Book of Esther itself. It is in fact reading of the Book of Esther, known as the Megillah, which is done twice during the holiday — once at night and once during the day. An important part of the experience is the crowd’s reaction to Haman’s name. As soon as it’s read, the noise begins: groggers rattle, feet stomp and, in some communities, children go (ahem) a step further, writing Haman’s name on the bottom of their shoes and stamping it out. Adding to the festive atmosphere, synagogues encourage children (and adults) to dress in costume. While some dress as Purim story characters, plenty opt for superheroes, animals or pop culture figures.
Learn the blessings for reading the Megillah.
Sending Gifts of Food (Mishloach Manot)
Another key mitzvah of Purim is mishloach manot, the practice of sending gifts of food to friends. The basic requirement is simple: Give at least one person two different types of ready-to-eat food. This mitzvah comes from Esther 9:22, which instructs Jews to observe Purim by, “sending portions one to another.” The Shulchan Aruch, the authoritative code of Jewish law compiled by Rabbi Joseph Karo in the 16th century, specifies that the gifts must consist of two different types of food. (Orach Chayim 695:4) Some keep it traditional, giving homemade hamantaschen or simple snack bags. Others take it further, creating elaborate gift baskets filled with sweets, wine and other gourmet treats. Over time, customs surrounding mishloach manot have evolved, but the core obligation remains the same: strengthening bonds within the community through acts of (tasty) giving.
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Giving Gifts to the Poor (Matanot L’Evyonim)
Tzedakah is a general Jewish obligation all on its own, but it is required on Purim specifically. This ensures that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, can celebrate the holiday with joy. This commandment also comes from Esther 9:22, in which Esther and Mordecai instruct the Jews to commemorate their victory with “gifts to the poor.” The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 694:1) states that one must give at least two gifts to two different individuals. Unlike mishloach manot, which is exchanged among friends, matanot l’evyonim is focused solely on helping those in need. Many Jewish communities organize special funds or campaigns to distribute donations on Purim day. Some give directly to individuals, while others contribute to charitable organizations that provide meals or financial assistance.
Eating a Festive Meal (Seudat Purim)
The seudat Purim is a central part of the holiday, a festive meal shared with family and friends. The obligation also comes from the same verse as the previous two mitzvot (Esther 9:22) which describes Purim as a time of “feasting and joy.” The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 695:1) states that this meal must take place during the day of Purim (not the night before) and should be a joyful occasion filled with food and drink.
Traditional foods for the seudah vary by community. Hamantaschen, triangular-shaped cookies synonymous with the holiday, are a staple world-wide. Ashkenazi Jews often eat kreplach (dumplings with meat filling), while Sephardi families prepare dishes like folares (bread stuffed with a boiled egg).
One of the most controversial Purim customs comes from the Talmud (Megillah 7b), which suggests drinking wine until one cannot distinguish between “blessed Mordecai” and “cursed Haman.” For this reason, the Purim seudah is nearly always accompanied by wine.
Conclusion
The Talmud (Taanit 29b) comments on the tenor of various Jewish seasons. When Av comes in the summer, the rabbis explain, it brings with it Tisha B’Av, the day of mourning for the destruction of the Temples and other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people. In this month, joy decreases — and so does the Jews’ luck. But when Adar, the month of Purim rolls around, the opposite is true: Both joy and luck increase. Purim, which falls at the midpoint of the month, is the acme of this mood. This is by design: The four mitzvot of Purim — reading the Megillah, giving edible gifts, making contributions to the poor and participating sumptuous meals — along with its other attendant customs of plays, carnivals and costumes all contribute to the fun. Happy Purim!
