What Even IS Purim? Part Two: How is Purim celebrated?
Welcome to part two of our two-part series, “What Even Is Purim?” where we explore the history and traditions behind the Jewish holiday of Purim. Missed the first part and want to learn more? Check out part one.
This week, Jewish people around the world will celebrate Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jews of ancient Persia from persecution. In the first part of this series, we learned about the story of the holiday and explained why we love it so much! This final story in the series explores the various ways people celebrate Purim – and may even give you some new ideas!
- Cooking and eating foods containing hidden fillings: Whether it’s Ashkenazi hamantaschen, Iraqi cheese sambusak, or Spanish Ojos de Haman, these treats emphasize the themes of “concealment” and “revelation” inherent to the Purim story.
- Dressing up: The Purim story reminds us of “hidden” miracles and “concealed” truths. To celebrate those things, we hide ourselves by dressing up in costumes, appearing as something else, while our true selves remain hidden underneath the masquerade.
- Listening to the Purim story: The centerpiece of the communal Purim celebration is a reading of the Scroll of Esther, in Hebrew called the Megillah. This is a raucous affair, and attendees are invited to make noise every time Haman’s name is mentioned, so no one can hear it.
- Giving gifts both to friends and to folks in need: The origin of this practice can be found in the Book of Esther 9:22. Jews are instructed to observe Purim “as days of feasting and merrymaking and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor.” It’s common for people to send Purim packages of yummy food called mishloach manot to friends as a way to uplift the joy of the holiday. Some also have a custom of giving money directly to needy people they pass by on Purim, and/or making a focused effort to financially support organizations and causes they care most about.
- Enjoying a festive meal: The Purim feast is held in memory of the feast held by Esther for King Achashverosh as a part of her plot to reveal Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jews. A lavish meal is the perfect way to commemorate Jewish resilience because it’s pleasurable and joyous.
- For some, drinking alcohol: Some folks have a custom to drink until you don’t know (ad lo yada) the difference between barukh Mordecai v’arur Haman (blessed be Mordecai and cursed be Haman). This is not an invitation to drink uncontrollably, but rather, to become happily tipsy. Not only can alcohol add to frivolity, it highlights how alcohol contributed to Esther’s successful plan to expose Haman. If you are of legal drinking age but avoiding alcohol for any reason, it is against Jewish law to drink it on Purim (or on any other day for that matter). Maintaining healthy boundaries and prioritizing wellness is always prioritized over observing Jewish traditions or rituals, and as noted above, there are many other ways to celebrate Purim meaningfully without alcohol!