One of the key rituals associated with the holiday of Purim is the reading of Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther. This biblical book relates the story on which Purim is based, in which the wicked Haman sought to use his influence with King Ahasuerus to destroy the Jewish people, who are ultimately saved by the story’s heroes: Mordecai and Esther.
Hearing the megillah read on Purim is considered a mitzvah in traditional Jewish law, and the public reading is the centerpiece of the synagogue service. A common custom during the reading is to use noisemakers (known as graggers) to drown out the sound of Haman’s name.
In 2025, My Jewish Learning will be hosting a free megillah reading on March 13 at 7:00 pm ET on Zoom. Led by Rabbi Moishe Steigmann, this live event will feature a detailed explanation of the story’s plot and what it means for Jews today. So, if this is your first time hearing the megillah or you are looking to find meaning in this raucous ritual, we look forward to having you at this community Purim celebration! Sign up here.
Many other synagogues will also be streaming megillah reading this year. A partial list with links is below.
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- B’nai Jeshurun, New York, NY (March 13, 7:30 pm ET)
- Central Synagogue, New York, NY (March 13, 6:00 pm ET)
- Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, IL (March 13, 6:15 pm CT)
- Ikar, Los Angeles, CA (March 13, 7:30 pm PT)
- Jewish Center of the Hamptons, East Hampton, NY (March 13, 6:00 pm ET)
- Mount Zion Hebrew Congregation, Saint Paul, MN (March 13, 7:00 pm CT)
- Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA (March 13, 6:30 pm ET)
Don’t see your synagogue listed but it’s livestreaming the megillah reading? Let us know.
