Judaism
Purim: The festival of joy and disguise
· 5 min read
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jews of the Persian empire from the wicked Haman. It is the most joyful holiday: costumes, gifts, and the reading of the Megillah.
Purim
The story
In the Persian empire (5th century BCE), Haman, the king's minister, plotted to exterminate all Jews. Esther (Ester), the Jewish queen, and her cousin Mordecai (Mordejai) foiled the plot. Haman was hanged on his own gallows.
The four mitzvot
- Reading the Megillah (Scroll of Esther).
- Sending gifts (mishloach manot).
- Giving charity (matanot laevyonim).
- Eating and rejoicing (festive meal).
Customs
Costumes (because providence is hidden in history), noise when Haman's name is mentioned, and songs.
Reading: Megillat Esther. Talmud Bavli Megillah. Shulchan Aruch OC 685-697.
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