Purim

The festival of Esther — the joyful deliverance of Persian Jewry, observed with the Megillah, gifts to the poor, mishloach manot, and the seudat Purim.

By The EditorsEssential

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Summary. Purim, the 14th of Adar (the 15th in walled cities such as Jerusalem — "Shushan Purim"), commemorates the deliverance of Persian Jewry from Haman's genocidal plot, as recounted in Megillat Esther. The four mitzvot of Purim are: hearing the Megillah read twice (night and morning); mishloach manot (sending gift baskets to friends); matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the poor); and the seudat Purim (the festive meal). The day is one of the most joyful in the Jewish calendar; costumes, alcohol, and theatrical play characterize the celebration.

The Megillah

Megillat Esther is read twice — on the evening of Purim and on the morning. The reading is from a kosher klaf (parchment scroll, hand-written by a sofer). The mitzvah is to hear every word; the congregation makes noise (with groggers, by stamping feet, by booing) at every mention of Haman's name to blot out his memory (zecher Amalek). A competent reader is essential. The Megillah's chanting tradition is distinctive — joyful, with several special verses chanted in the mournful Eichah trope for dramatic contrast.

Mishloach Manot

The Megillah (Esther 9:22) describes the sending of "portions one to another" on Purim, and the sages established this as one of the four rabbinic mitzvot of the day. The minimum obligation: send two food items to at least one friend. Many people send to dozens — small baskets of pastries, candy, fruit, or savories. The contemporary mishloach manot economy in Orthodox communities is significant; Purim morning is spent delivering them. Reform and Conservative practice has substantially recovered the custom.

Matanot L'Evyonim

Gifts to the poor — the minimum is two presents (typically money) to two different needy persons. The mitzvah is to ensure that the destitute can also have a festive Purim meal. The Rambam (Hilchot Megillah 2:17) writes that this mitzvah is paramount: "There is no greater or more glorious joy than to gladden the hearts of the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the convert." Many give to a Purim collection at shul; many give directly through Chabad, the OU, or a local tzedakah organization.

The Seudat Purim

The festive meal is held in the afternoon of Purim. The atmosphere is bawdy and theatrical; the Talmud (Megillah 7b) famously rules that one is obligated to drink on Purim until one cannot distinguish between "cursed is Haman" and "blessed is Mordechai" — a saying interpreted variously over the centuries (most contemporary Orthodox authorities counsel moderate drinking and not actual drunkenness). Purim shpiels (theatrical performances mocking the Megillah, the shul leadership, current events) are a traditional part of the afternoon. Many communities hold a Purim seudah at the shul.

Fast of Esther

The 13th of Adar (the day before Purim) is the Fast of Esther, a daylight fast commemorating Esther's fast before approaching the king (Esther 4:16). The fast precedes the joy. Where Purim falls on Sunday, the fast is moved to the previous Thursday (the 11th of Adar).

Where Denominations Diverge

Universal observance. Reform observance has substantially recovered Purim as a major community day. Megillah reading from a kosher klaf is universal in Orthodox; many Reform and Conservative congregations use a kosher klaf as well, though some Reform read from a printed text. The Purim shpiel is universal. The alcohol custom is most active in Orthodox communities. Egalitarian observance allows women to read the Megillah for the congregation; Orthodox practice in most communities reserves it for men.