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Purim
by W.Holidays
"The Feast of Lots"
Purim celebrates the deliverance of the
Jewish people during the days of King Xerxes of Persia. According to
the story a young Jewish girl saves her people from annihilation and
the malice of Haman. The story is contained in the Book of Esther,
which is read in its entirety on Purim. When the Haman's name is read
aloud everyone hisses, boos, and twirls their graggers to drown out the
name. Interestingly enough, the story of Esther is the only book in the
Bible that makes no reference to God (Christian or Persian) or a
religious observes of any kind.
Purim occurs on the 14 day of Adar and on the 15th in the cities of Jerusalem.
Adar is the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar. As with all Jewish
holidays, Purim begins at sundown.
Customs of Purim
 The Megillah
Traditionally, the story of Esther is recited in the synagogue from a
scroll. The scroll is called a Megillah in Hebrew. When the name of the
villain, Haman, is spoken everyone hisses and makes noise.
The Gragger
This is a traditional noisemaker. It is a hand-held device that makes a
loud crackling sound when twirled about. It is used to drown out the
name of Haman.
Costumes
Purim is a festive time and children dress in costumes and so do some
adults. Popular costumes include the characters in the Book of Esther
as well as non-Jewish personalities. This is to hide from the evil of
Haman by disguising themselves as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and
the pope--all things that are not Jewish.
Purim Plays
It is popular to act out plays, reenacting the Book of Esther.
Feasts
Of course, a grand spread of delicious food is served, but the emphasis
is on sweets. The meals themselves are typically vegetables and dairy
because when Queen Easter lived in the palace she ate a vegetarian diet
as to not violate the dietary laws.
Hamantashen
The ever-popular, traditional Purim treat is the Hamantashen or
Hammentashen. It is a three-cornered cookie stuffed with a poppy seed
and honey filling or some other equally delightfully filling. These
cookies are also referred to as "Haman's Pocket", "Haman's Ears" and
"Haman's Hats".
Mishloach Manot
This is the custom of gift giving. Purim gifts are
plates of sweet treats and other tasty morsels.
Matanot Laevyonim
Food and clothing are given to the poor and needy.
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