Fun, Festivities, and Hamantaschen

The holiday of Purim commemorates a time in the 4th century BCE when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by a plot conceived by Haman, a royal advisor to King Ahasuerus.

As the story is told, after Queen Vashti was executed for disobeying the King’s orders for her to appear at a party, the hunt began to find a new Queen. Following an exhaustive search, Esther was selected by the King.

After she became the Queen, Esther and her cousin and adoptive father, Mordecai, learned of Haman’s plan to kill the Jews of Persia and knew that they needed to inform the King. At a celebration, Esther bravely revealed that she was Jewish and told King Ahasueros of Haman’s evil plot which would mean she, too, would be killed. Her courage ensured the plot was foiled and rather than hanging Mordecai, the King ordered Haman to hang in the gallows.

Jewish communities around the world continue to celebrate this victory by feasting, rejoicing, and retelling the story.

Purim is celebrated by:

• Exchanging gifts of food and drink (mishloach manot)
• Donating charity to the poor (mattanot la-evyonim)
• Eating a celebratory meal
• Reading of the “megillat Esther” (Scroll of Esther), usually in synagogue
• Wearing masks and costumes
• Public celebrations and parades
• Eating hamantaschen (a three-cornered, fruit-filled pastry)
• Drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverage

According to the Hebrew calendar, Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar.

Chag Purim Sameach (Happy Purim)! May it be one of joy and generosity.

Celebrating Purim in Northern Virginia

 

 

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