Jews celebrate Purim: the essence of the holiday, as Jews celebrate, dishes and prohibitions

In March, Jews around the world celebrate Purim, a vibrant holiday with carnival elements dedicated to the miraculous rescue of Jews from the attack of the Persians. On this day, it is customary to have fun from the bottom of your heart, visit friends and relatives, prepare traditional treats and do good deeds. Read about the history and traditions of the celebration in the Izvestia article.

The Jewish holiday of Purim: when in 2025, why is it called that

The dates of Jewish holidays are determined not by the Gregorian calendar, but by the lunisolar calendar. Because of this, the celebrations fall on different days every year. In most parts of the world, Purim is celebrated on the 14th of the month of Adar, which corresponds to February-March. In Jerusalem, due to historical peculiarities, they celebrate a day later, 15 Adar.

In addition, according to ancient Jewish tradition, the new day is counted from sunset, so many holidays begin to be celebrated on the evening before the main date. In 2025, Purim will run from the evening of March 13 to the evening of March 14 (March 14-15 in Jerusalem).

The name "Purim" comes from the ancient Persian word "pur", which translates as "lot". The holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jews from extermination during the time of the Persian king Ahasuerus (approximately the middle of the sixth century BC).

According to legend, Akhashverosh was a powerful ruler who controlled all the Persian lands from India to Ethiopia. One day, he hosted a sumptuous feast in his palace. In the midst of the festivities, the king decided to show off the beauty of his wife, Queen Vashti, to the guests. However, the proud woman refused her husband, considering it humiliating. For disobedience, the queen was executed, and Akhashverosh began searching for a new wife.

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To choose a worthy companion, the king ordered the most beautiful girls from all over the country to be brought to the palace. One of them was a young Jewish woman named Esther. She was an orphan and lived with her cousin Mordechai, who replaced her father. Before being sent to the palace, Mordechai told his sister not to reveal her origin, as many at court harbored hatred for Jews.

As a result, out of hundreds of applicants, Akhashverosh chose Esther, because she was not only beautiful, but also modest, and also exceptionally virtuous. However, even after becoming queen, the girl kept her nationality a secret. Subsequently, thanks to his sister, Mordechai moved to the palace. He became an advisor to the king and performed his duties with honor.

At that time, a prominent official, Haman, served at the court. He had great power and was extremely arrogant. Every employee of the palace had to bow to him when they met, otherwise he would be severely punished. However, Mordechai did not obey the whim of the nobleman, as he believed that a Jew could only bow to God and the sovereign.

Haman harbored a grudge against Mordechai and decided to destroy not only the offender, but also his entire people. He convinced Ahasuerus that the Jews were preparing an uprising against him, and offered to cast lots to choose a day when everyone could kill a Jew with impunity. The tsar agreed and issued a decree designating the 13th day of the month of Adar as the day of the pogrom.

When Mordechai and Esther found out about this, they decided to protect the common people at all costs. The queen arranged a sumptuous feast for her husband and his entourage. Akhashverosh liked the holiday so much that he promised to fulfill his wife's every wish. After that, Esther told about her background and asked to cancel the massacre.

The king realized that Haman had deceived him, and ordered the traitor to be hanged. However, according to Persian law, the signed decree could not be revoked, so Ahasuerus issued a new one allowing Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, a great battle took place, in which the Jews won on the 14th of the month of Adar. In fortified cities like Jerusalem, the battles lasted a day longer.

Since then, Jews began to celebrate Purim in memory of their escape from the Persian persecutors.

The Jewish holiday of Purim: what they do, give, cook, eat

Purim is one of the most joyful holidays of the Jewish calendar. It begins with the public reading in synagogues of the Scroll of Esther, which is included in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). When the clergy mention Haman's name, the parishioners begin to whistle, stamp their feet and crack with special rattles (gragers). In this way, the Jews express contempt for the enemy and symbolically expel evil. The scroll is read twice — in the evening of 13 Adar and in the morning of 14.

After morning readings, Jews visit relatives and friends. On a holiday, you should send at least two close people a "mishloach manot" — a gift set of treats consisting of traditional sweets, fruits and wine.

People in need are not ignored on Purim. It is believed that every Jew should help at least two people who find themselves in a difficult life situation so that they can also enjoy the holiday. Food, clothing, and other basic necessities are usually donated.

Costumed processions and performances are an integral part of Purim, during which scenes from the Scroll of Esther are played out. Children and adults dress up as heroes of ancient legend and modern characters to participate in common festivities. This custom refers to the secret of Esther's origin, which was carefully kept by the young queen, and also reminds that fate can hide under the mask of random events.

In the evening, Jews arrange noisy feasts to properly celebrate the victory of their ancestors. Hamentashen pies, which are also called "Haman's ears," are always served at the table. This is a sweet triangular pastry with different fillings, which symbolizes the triumph of justice. Among the traditional treats there is also a Purim cupcake and a variety of meat dishes.

Traditions of Purim: what can and cannot Jews do

On the eve of Purim, Jews are required to observe a strict fast, which is called the fast of Esther. At the same time, it is forbidden to fast during the holiday itself, as it should be held in an atmosphere of fun and abundance.

Purim is the only holiday when Jews are allowed not just to drink a little wine, but to get very drunk in memory of the magnificent feasts of King Ahasuerus and the glorious victory of the Jewish soldiers. However, even on such a day, it is necessary to observe the measure and not violate public order.

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It is not forbidden to work on Purim, as the holiday is not mentioned in the Torah. But it is impossible to be sad and despondent on this day, since joy is one of the obligatory components of the celebration.

In addition, it is forbidden to refuse help to those in need on Purim. Charity is not just a good tradition, but one of the commandments of the holiday. Moreover, if a person has money for only one thing - a feast for the family, sending treats or tzedakah (alms) — priority is given to the latter.

How to congratulate on the Jewish holiday of Purim

Purim is a significant holiday for all Jews, so even representatives of other faiths should congratulate Jewish acquaintances. You can do this by saying a short phrase in Hebrew: "Hag Purim sameah!" ("Happy Purim!"). It is acceptable to use looser formulations. Here are some examples:

"Congratulations on the merry, bright holiday of Purim! I wish you good health, happiness, lightness of heart and harmony in your soul. May things go well, and love and joyful laughter reign at home!"

"Hag Purim sameah! Happy Purim! May this wonderful holiday bring a lot of positivity, good luck, prosperity and well-being. I wish you to enjoy every day of your life, believe in a miracle and not lose your presence of mind!"

"Congratulations on Purim! I wish you to have fun from the bottom of your heart, get drunk with joy, bathe in love and warm up in the bright light of friendship. May your life be as sweet as festive treats and as bright as a masquerade!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of Hanukkah.