The holiday of Prayers Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar(early in spring). This year it begins on Wednesday night, March 20, and continues through Thursday, March 20. In Jerusalem, it begins on March 22. Purim marks the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman evil plan to kill all the Jews in a single day. The story is recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther.
According to the Maimonides Purim is the day to remember and praise God, and the salvation he did for us and he was there to save us. To let the future generation know what the Torah promised: ‘ For what great nation is there has a God so close at hand as is the Lord our God whenever we call upon him.
According to the book of Esther, the Jews fasted for three days before Esther went to beg King Ahasuerus to save them. According to most rabbinic interpretations, the fasting was actually a prayer.
Why it is called Purim?
Purim means “lots’ in ancient Persian. Purim is named after Haman because he threw a lot of efforts to complete his evil plan. In eastern tradition, it is called poo- Reem and in westerners, it is called Puh -Rim. Some central- European communities even called it Pee-rim.
How is Purim Observed?
On this day people read Megillah (book of Esther), which recalls the story of the Purim miracle. This is done on the evening of the Purim and then again on the following day.
Haman tried to kill all the Jews, they are all in danger together too. So on Purim give money gifts to at least two poor persons and sending two different food gifts to at least one person. (e.g., pastry, fruit, beverage)
During the course of Purim day, people gather their family, invite guests and celebrate this day with a feast. Traditionally, this meal begins before sundown and lasts well into the evening. The table is decorated with nice tablecloths and candles. On the table, Meal includes Bread or challah, meat, wine and plenty of Jewish songs, words of Torah and joyous Purim spirit. Peoples sing, drink, laugh, have fun together.
Children on Purim dress in costumes, an allusion to God’s hand in the Purim miracle, which was disguised by natural events. Dress up your kids and choose the best costumes for them and make good memories on this Purim.
Another custom is to burn an effigy of Haman on Purim. In some region, Purim Spiel has attempted in which people act on drama and tell the saga of Purim story. People take parts in the carnival thousand of people gather on the street, showing their talents, skills, and costumes.
A traditional Purim food is hamantaschen, three-cornered pastries bursting with poppy seeds or another sweet -filling. Oznei Haman (Haman’s ear) also a type of pastries eaten on this day. This name led to the myth that the pastries celebrate the cutting of the wicked man,s ears before he was hanged.
