Purim Festival Quiz and Flashcards: Celebrate with Knowledge

Study Notes

Purim 101

Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar, typically in late winter or early spring.
Purim 2024 begins on Saturday night, March 23, and continues through Sunday, March 24, extending to Monday in Jerusalem.
The holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy them in the ancient Persian empire.

The Story of Purim

The Persian Empire, which extended over 127 lands, had all the Jews as its subjects in the 4th century BCE.
King Ahasuerus executed his wife, Queen Vashti, and arranged a beauty pageant to find a new queen, which Esther, a Jewish girl, won.
Esther became queen, but refused to divulge her nationality, while Mordechai, her cousin, defied the king's orders and refused to bow to Haman, the Jew-hating prime minister.
Haman convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of all Jews on the 13th of Adar, a date chosen by a lottery.
Mordechai galvanized the Jews to repent, fast, and pray to G‑d, while Esther revealed her Jewish identity to the king, leading to Haman's hanging and Mordechai's appointment as prime minister.
The Jews mobilized and killed their enemies on the 13th of Adar, rested on the 14th, and celebrated.

Naming and Observances

Purim means "lots" in ancient Persian, named after Haman's lottery to determine the date of his diabolical scheme.
Purim observances include:
- Reading the Megillah (book of Esther) on the eve and day of Purim.
- Giving money gifts to at least two poor people.
- Sending gifts of two kinds of food to at least one person.
- A festive Purim feast, often including wine or other intoxicating beverages.

Traditions and Customs

Purim is characterized by a spirit of liveliness and fun.
It is customary for children (and adults) to dress up in costumes.
Traditional Purim food is hamantaschen (three-cornered pastries with poppy seeds or sweet filling).
Many Jews fast on the day before Purim (or on the Thursday before, when Purim is on Sunday) to commemorate Esther's fasting and praying.

When to Celebrate

Common Custom: Jews celebrate Purim on Adar 14, the day when their ancestors rested from the war against their enemies.
Walled Cities: In cities that were surrounded by walls in the days of Joshua, such as Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th.
Small Towns: In ancient times, villagers read the Megillah on the market day preceding 14 Adar, but this custom is no longer practiced.
Note: On Jewish leap years, there are two months called Adar, and Purim is celebrated in the second Adar.

The Meaning of Purim

Purim expresses the idea that G‑d is intimately involved in every aspect of the world, even when there are no overt miracles.
The holiday celebrates G‑d's salvation of the Jews, despite Haman's efforts, and the spiritual revival that occurred among the Jews as a result.

Description

Learn about the Jewish holiday of Purim celebrated annually to commemorate the salvation of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them in ancient Persia. Find out about the traditions, customs, and significance of this festive occasion.