What is Purim and How It is Celebrated by Kids?
Purim is a Holiday that Celebrates the Salvation of Jews in Ancient Persia
Purim is one of the most pleasant Jewish holidays. Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, this date is according to the lunar calendar. This year, Purim falls on March 8th 2012, according to the solar calendar.
Story of Purim in Short
In the 4th century, there was a Minister in the Persian Empire named Haman. He hated the Jews and decreed that on the 13th of Adar, all the Jews were to be destroyed.
However, Haman and the King didn’t know that Esther, the young new Queen of Persia, was Jewish. Esther’s uncle Mordechai discovered Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews and told Esther about it.
Despite Esther’s fears of what would happen to her if the King discovered she is Jewish, Esther knew she had to do something to stop Haman’s plan. She invited Haman and the King to a feast that she arranged.
Esther waited until both Haman and the King were very drunk before she revealed herself as a Jew. She exposed Haman and his plot to destroy her people.
The story ends happily with the Jews being saved and Haman being hung. Mordechai becomes a minister in the Persian parliament and grants all Jews in the Empire the right to defend themselves against their enemies.
Purim Traditions
Fast of Esther
The day before Purim, 13th of Adar, there’s a fast in honor of Esther and the Jews who fasted and prayed for salvation.
Reading the Story of Esther
On the 14th of Adar, celebrations start with the reading of the Story of Esther – Megillat Esther. While being read, when Haman’s name is read, it is customary to stamp your feet and make lots of noise with noisemakers or groggers, in order to disrespect his name.
Eat, Drink and be Happy!
Purim is a very Happy Holiday. It’s celebrated with a big party and congregates are encouraged to eat, drink and be happy.
Purim Costumes & Hamantashins
Children – and some adults – dress up as heroes and villains from the Megillat Esther. Also there is a special cookie eaten on Purim called Hamantashin. It is a cookie that is folded into a triangle, with a delicious filling often made from poppyseeds, dates, prunes, chocolate and essentially, anything you like that is a triangle.
Send food baskets to People – Mishloach Manot
It is customary to deliver baskets of food to friends and community members. Often these baskets include wine/grape juice, fruits, nuts, pastries, candies along with a message of good will. This custom is supposed to reinforce Jewish unity.
Find a great selection of Purim gifts at Judaica Store.
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