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Purim 2022: Introduction, History and Celebration of Jewish Festival

by priyanka singh

The Hebrew word for Purim is “Pur” for short. It means “lots” in Persian and the festival celebrates Jewish people from Haman, an official of the Persian King. On the 14th day of Nisan, usually in March or April, the Jews would wear masks to fool their enemies and exchange food with their friends. Nowadays they exchange gifts with their friends on Purim 2022 to remind themselves that they are saved from enemies.

The festival is a joyous celebration where friends and family, and the Jewish community gather to tradition through feasting, rejoicing, and exchanging food. Purim is an old Jewish festival that is celebrated when Jewish people were saved from Haman, an official of the Persian King. He intended to destroy all Jews in Purim 2022 in ancient Persia. He sent for all the Book of Esther.

History of Purim

This festival will be celebrated on Saturday, March 16th in 2022. Purim 2022 is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from a plot to exterminate them. Which was conjured up by Haman, vizier under Persian King Ahasuerus. The story is recorded in the Hebrew Bible Book of Esther. According to the story, Haman planned to kill all the Jews in the Ancient Kingdom of Persia. Which under Ahasuerus’s rule included many areas of the Middle East and parts of northern Africa. Esther, an obscure and orphaned Jewish girl, becomes queen after her cousin Mordecai convinces Ahasuerus not to execute her.

At the palace banquet, Ahasuerus asks if there is anyone who would defend either his kingdom. Or himself should he be attacked. His advisors are perplexed by this question. Esther, the only female there, attributes her survival to Mordecai. And questions why he had not been invited to the banquet. He explains that other Jews have not respected him. As they should because of his Iranian origin. And that he is in danger of being harmed by Haman because of his beliefs. This angers Esther who reveals herself to be in fact a Jewess. And Mordecai’s cousin and stands before the king as requested by Esther’s words. She is accepted as queen and Ahasuerus reinstates Mordecai as a high official.

Plans during this festival

Esther and Mordecai devise an elaborate plan, secretly coordinated by Esther with the help of several Jewish elders. To save the Jews from Haman’s plot. They pretend to agree with his plans. And invite him to a feast that they have prepared in order to celebrate their royal loyalty. When Haman arrives, they discover that he has brought with him a large amount of food. And wine to offer the king in preparation for the feast. The Jews ask the king not to consume any food. Or drink until Haman passes out from drinking his own wine. By doing this they are able to reveal the list of names. Whom Haman had gathered to kill in order to eliminate all of their rivals. After discovering both his duplicity and the identities on his list, Ahasuerus dies of shock before Haman can even react.

Haman is hanged and the Jews are allowed to avenge the plots against them. Mordecai becomes a respected high official and Esther is praised for her courage. During Purim, it is customary for people to get drunk and have fun, which is a direct result of Haman’s plot against them being foiled.

How does Jewish celebrate this festival?

Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. The word “Purim” means “lots” and refers to Haman’s casting of lots before Queen Esther to determine which day was the right time for him to publicly execute all Jews in Ashkenazi lands.

Purim

Many Jews celebrate with costumes and masks, though these are not necessary according to Jewish law. Many Jews observe this festival by celebrating family and friend relationships. Devirim (lit. gifts) are gifts of food that are given to friends or relatives. The word “devirah” means “gift”. The public reading of the Book of Esther (reading of the megillah) is one part of the traditional Purim celebration, it is also a day to show love and gratitude to those who have helped us during the past year.

Another custom is giving charity to the poor, called “matanot la-evyonim”. This is a mitzvah (a good deed) and good deeds done on Purim made the recipient eligible to receive a gift of food.

Purpose of this festival

The main purpose of this festival is to remember that Jews fought against anti-Semitism by using their wits. A custom observed by many Conservative Jews is cooking a special meal known as “eid-nisro’im”. It is similar to the Three Kings’ tradition. But focused on God and gratitude to those who helped us during the past year.

Another custom is eating foods traditionally eaten on Purim, such as Purim braid or challah. These foods are distributed among the community for all to enjoy. Besides the public reading, there are many traditional customs that occur on Purim. Purim is also a day to celebrate family and friendship relationships. A tradition observed by many Conservative Jews is cooking a special meal known as “eid-nisro’im”. It is similar to the Three Kings’ tradition. But focused on God and gratitude to those who helped us during the past year. Another custom is eating foods traditionally eaten on Purim, such as Purim braid or challah. These foods are distributed among the community for all to enjoy.

Besides the public reading, there are many traditional customs that occur on Purim. This festival is also a day to celebrate family and friendship relationships. A tradition observed by many conservative Jews is cooking a special meal known as “eid-nisro’im”. It is similar to the Three Kings’ tradition. But focused on God and gratitude to those who helped us during the past year.

How to greet Happy festival?

Happiness and joy are the traditional greetings at this festival. The Hebrew word for “happiness” is simcha, and it is often pronounced as “khang poo-reem sah-may-akh” or “fray-likh-en Poo-rim.” In Yiddish, you may also hear the phrase ‘ah Freilichen Puri’ which means ‘Happy Purim.

Summary:

The Purim holiday is celebrated by Jews all over the world on or around March 16. The holiday commemorates a time when the Judean people defied. Their Persian enemies saved their Jewish brethren from certain death. However, it is not just about the story of Esther, which reveals the hidden hand of G-d in human history. It is also about Moshiach and being strong in one’s faith against any kind of adversity.

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