Purim 2018

From hamantaschen to the Megillah, what you need to know about this holiday that falls on March 1.

Advertisement

Purim 2018 begins at sunset on Wednesday, Feb. 28, and ends at sundown on Thursday, March 1.

The Background of Purim

The story of the joyous holiday of Purim might appear somber at first glance: It tells of the near-destruction of the Jewish people as decreed by Haman, an adviser to the Persian King Ahashuerus.

However, Ahashuerus’ newly crowned queen, Esther — who replaced Vashti when she was thrown out of the kingdom — is secretly a Jew.

Due to her courage and her eventual role in saving the Jews, the story of Purim is known as “Megillat Esther,” or the Scroll of Esther.

Support My Jewish Learning

Help us keep Jewish knowledge accessible to millions of people around the world.

Your donation to My Jewish Learning fuels endless journeys of Jewish discovery. With your help, My Jewish Learning can continue to provide nonstop opportunities for learning, connection and growth.

What to Do on Purim

hamantaschen

There are several common practices on Purim:

* We give gifts to poor people.

* We read the megillah, the Purim story.

* We eat a festive meal, or seudah.

* We give food gifts, called mishloah manot, to our friends.

*We eat hamantaschen, triangle-shaped cookies named for the villainous Haman. Learn how to make them in this video or find more than 20 hamantaschen recipes on our food blog, The Nosher.

Other Purim Activities

Many people dress up in costume, following the theme of Purim as a holiday of disguise where nothing is quite as it seems. Synagogues and communities hold plays and festivals specifically for the day. Traditionally, a noisemaker or gragger is sounded when Haman’s name is said aloud during the megillah reading; today some people have instituted a new practice of waving a celebratory flag when Esther’s name is recited.

How Much Do You Know?

Think you know everything about Purim? Check out these 9 Things You Didn’t Know About Purim. Take a Purim quiz, or take this quiz to find out which kind hamantaschen you are!

 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

My Jewish Learning is a not-for-profit and relies on your help

Donate

Discover More

Where to Stream Yom Kippur Services

Where to find an online service for the Day of Atonement.

High Holiday Zoom Services: How to Get the Most out of Them

Try these seven tips to make the holiday sacred and special, even if you're not going to synagogue in person.

Candle-Lighting Blessings for Yom Kippur

Blessings for beginning Yom Kippur in Hebrew, English, and transliteration.

Advertisement