Purim Countdown

Purim is one of the most joyful festivals in the Jewish calendar, celebrating the rescue of the Jewish people as told in the Book of Esther, with costumes, feasting and gifts.

History

Purim recalls the story preserved in the biblical Book of Esther, set in the ancient Persian Empire. It tells of how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai acted to save the Jewish community from a decree of destruction, and how a day intended for sorrow was turned into one of deliverance and gladness. The name 'Purim' comes from the word for the lots that were cast in the story. Scholars have long discussed the book's historical setting and origins, while for Jewish communities its yearly retelling has never depended on that question. The festival has been kept on 14 Adar since antiquity, and the Book of Esther itself instructs that the days be observed each year with feasting and gladness. In walled cities of ancient origin — Jerusalem foremost among them — it is marked a day later, on 15 Adar, a custom known as Shushan Purim. Its defining practice is the public reading of the Scroll of Esther (the Megillah), during which listeners cheer the heroes and make noise at the name of the villain. Over the centuries Purim gathered a spirit of carnival: costumes, plays known as Purimshpiln, gifts and festive meals became central, making it one of the liveliest days of the Jewish year. Individual communities also established local 'second Purims' to commemorate their own deliverances, and triangular hamantaschen pastries became the season's best-known treat.

Meaning

Purim celebrates survival, courage and the turning of fortune from despair to joy. Esther's bravery is honoured each year, and the festival's exuberance is a deliberate expression of relief and gratitude. Generosity is woven into the day. Two of its central customs are giving gifts of food to friends and charity to those in need, ensuring that the joy of the festival is shared widely across the community.