Purim 2025
Thursday, March 13th — Friday, March 14th
Thursday, March 13th — Friday, March 14th
Purim Basics
Purim is a festive Jewish holiday celebrating the deliverance of the Jews of ancient Persia from annihilation at the hands of the villain Haman. The holiday is marked by raucous celebrations, masquerading, a ritual meal, the giving of gifts to friends and to the poor, and the public reading of Megillat Esther, which retells the holiday story.
The Story of Purim
The plot and themes of “the whole Megillah.”
Must-Know Purim Words and Phrases
Key vocabulary for this raucous holiday
The History of Purim
There are many theories as to how this holiday developed.
Explore the Four Mitzvot of Purim
- Reading Megillah (Mikra Megillah)
- Gifts to friends (Mishloach Manot)
- Gifts to the poor (Matanot l’evyonim)
- Festive meal (Seudat Purim)
How Purim is Celebrated in Israel
Purim festivities spill onto the street, last multiple days, and are a time for serious fun — for both kids and adults.
Leil Purim: A Kurdish Jewish Women’s Holiday
Imitating Queen Esther, Kurdish Jewish women used to bathe in the river on Purim night.
Special Purims
Local celebrations echoing the Purim theme have been instituted by communities throughout Jewish history.
Purim Traditions Around the World
Six Kinds of Hamantaschen
- Classic Hamantaschen
- Triple Chocolate Hamantaschen
- Dulce de Leche Hamantaschen
- Pizza Hamantaschen
- Rice Krispies Hamantaschen
- Easiest Hamantaschen Recipe Ever
Get to Know the Customs of Purim
- What happens in synagogue on Purim
- The Fast of Esther
- Make your own grogger for Purim
- Sending mishloach manot
- Why Jews wear costumes on Purim
- Drinking on Purim
“When Adar comes in, joy increases.” — Talmud, Taanit 29a
Go Deeper: Musings for Purim
- Why isn’t God mentioned in the Book of Esther?
- Were Mordechai and Esther religious or assimilated Jews?
- Is the Book of Esther meant to be funny?
- The secret connection between Purim and Yom Kippur
- Is Purim the Jewish Halloween?
- Why Mordecai refused to bow to Haman
- The complexity of Esther’s character
- Making sense of Esther’s violent ending
- Why Purim is the holiday of prayer
Are Esther and Mordecai buried in this Iranian tomb?
For centuries, Iranian Jews have made pilgrimages to a shrine in the city of Hamadan where, according to tradition, Esther and Mordecai are buried …
Spotlight on Characters of the Purim Story
Queen Vashti: Evil villain or tragic heroine?
Haman: Hung from a gallows or crucified?
Turkish Haman’s Fingers Cookies
Did You Know …
- … some Jews celebrate Purim one day later?
- … there are four mitzvot of Purim?
- … there are many versions of the Book of Esther?
- … there’s a Jewish holiday called Purim Katan (Little Purim)?
WHY JEWS EAT HAMANTASCHEN
“Rava said: On Purim, a person is obligated to make himself fragrant with wine until he cannot tell the difference between ‘cursed be Haman’ and ‘blessed be Mordecai.’” — Talmud, Megillah 7b
What Happens in Synagogue on Purim
In addition to the Megillah reading, several additions are made to the daily prayer services.