Purim is celebrated by the reading of the Scroll of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillat Esther, which relates the basic story of Purim. Under the rule of King Ahashuerus, Haman, the King's prime minister, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of the land from destruction. The reading of the megillah is typically a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman's name is read aloud.
Purim is an unusual holiday in many respects. First, Esther is the only Book of the Bible in which God is not mentioned. Second, Purim, like Chanukah, is viewed traditionally as a minor festival, but elevated to a major holiday as a result of the Jewish historical experience. Over the centuries, Haman became the embodiment of every anti-Semite in every land where Jews were oppressed. The significance in Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become -a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival against all odds.
Find dozens of Purim Spiels at the Communicate! Resource Bank. Just select "Purim" or "Spiels" from the keyword list to view the entries, or select Summary #1891.
For individuals, families, youth groups, religious schools and congregations: ideas and resources for social action activities to help deepen your celebration of the holiday.
Camp Harlam families are organizing "Hamentaschen for Haiti" bake sales at their synagogues and in their schools. This activity is a great ways to get kids of all ages to participate in tikkun olam through the planning, publicizing, baking, hosting and (hopefully) clean-up! Get creative with your recipes - try peanut butter & jelly or Reeses Peanut Butter Cup hamentaschen!). Contact Rabbi Vicki Tuckman for more info: vtuckman@urj.org. (See more fundraising for Haiti ideas.)
Tracing the history of Hamantashen, poppy seeds, and prune fillings. Plus--recipes for "Haman's 'Ears,'" "Mohnbrodt," and "Hamentashen de Panema," along with instructions on how to shape a perfect Hamantashen.
Back in print with new, full-color illustrations, a classic from a premiere author of Jewish children's books! Enter the world of Reb Zalman and Reb Yisroel and
their fellow Jews in Prague; listen to a lively retelling of how the Jews of Persia escaped
destruction because of Esther's bravery and Mordecai's wisdom.
Includes many Hamantashen and other Purim recipes. A culinary journey around the world and across the ages, from Spain to India,
from Russia to Tunisia, sharing the histories and recipes of the great Diaspora
communities and the many wonderful ways they have told their stories through
food.
Rabbis Kravitz and Olitzky shed new light on this familiar story
by combining traditional rabbinic views and contemporary literary criticism to
create a readable and relevant commentary. More than the centerpiece of Purim
celebrations, Esther is unique in the biblical canon, and raises as many
questions as it reveals answers.
Entree to Judaism: A Culinary Exploration of the Jewish Diaspora
Esther: A Modern Commentary
Multimedia: 