What is Purim? All you need to know abou the Jewish holiday

Jewish communities across the country and around the world began celebrating Purim on Saturday, 23 March, with the holiday ending at nightfall on Sunday. The holiday dates back to the 5th century BCE and celebrates events recounted in the Book of Esther. The Jewish people were able to avoid annihilation in modern-day Iran when the region was under the control of King Ahashverosh. After the King’s wife, Vashti, refused his orders to dance for guests, she lost her royal title, and the search for a new queen began. Esther, a Jewish woman, was selected and under the guidance of her uncle, Mordechai, she did not share any information about her faith to the King.

Reform Judaism.com explains that the Jewish people in the empire came under great threat when Mordechai refused to bow to the King’s advisor, Haman. “Because Jews do not bow to anyone but God, Mordechai refused to bow down to Haman,” reads the story. This refusal on the part of Mordechai revealed his faith, and in response, Haman convinced the King to kill the Jewish people living under his control. The King agreed, but Esther then revealed her identity to the Ahashverosh and he granted the Jewish people the right to fight back against his army. The Jewish citizens were victorious, and the story lives on as “a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival.”

How is Purim celebrated?

The holiday is sometimes called Jewish Halloween because a major component of the celebration centers on dressing up in costume. In addition to the costumes, Purim is celebrated with food, drink, and in some cases, the exchanging of gifts, with friends, family, and neighbors.