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The Story of Purim
Purim is a holiday that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. The story of Purim is recorded in the biblical book of Esther. The main protagonist, Esther, is a Jewish woman who becomes the queen of Persia and marries King Ahasuerus. Meanwhile, the king's advisor, Haman, becomes angry with the Jews and convinces the king to issue a decree to exterminate all Jews in the Persian Empire. Esther, with the help of her cousin Mordechai, reveals her Jewish identity to the king and exposes Haman's evil plot. The king subsequently issues a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their attackers, and the Jews are able to defeat their enemies. On the 13th of Adar, the Jews observe the holiday of Purim to commemorate their salvation and to celebrate their victory over their enemies. The celebration of Purim includes reading the Book of Esther, giving gifts to friends and family (Mishloach Manot), giving money to the poor (Matanot La'Evyonim), and feasting and rejoicing. (Read More: www.chabad.org/645995)
Traditional Foods
Purim is celebrated with a variety of traditional foods that are symbolic of the holiday and its themes. Some popular Purim foods include hamantashen (sweet triangular pastries filled with fruit or nut filling), kreplach (dumplings filled with ground meat), and roasted meats. Additionally, many Jews serve a festive meal and enjoy sweets and other treats to mark the joyous occasion. The food is meant to reflect the festive and celebratory nature of Purim, and many Jews incorporate the themes of the holiday into the foods they serve, such as using triangular shapes to symbolize Haman's hat. Whether preparing a full meal or just enjoying sweet treats, traditional Purim foods are an integral part of the celebration. (Read more: www.chabad.org/5034487)
How to Celebrate
Purim is a joyful holiday that is celebrated by Jews all over the world. The main celebrations of Purim take place on the 14th of Adar and include reading the Book of Esther, giving gifts of food to friends and family (Mishloach Manot), giving money to the poor (Matanot La'Evyonim), and feasting and rejoicing. In addition to these traditional observances, many Jews attend Purim parties and events, including megillah readings, musical performances, and masquerade balls. It is customary to dress up in costumes, drink wine, and make a festive noise with noisemakers or groggers to blot out the name of Haman whenever it is mentioned in the reading of the Book of Esther. By observing these customs and traditions, Jews are able to experience the joy and celebration of Purim and to remember the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. (Read more: www.chabad.org/1362)
Megilat Esther
The Megillah, or Book of Esther, is the main text read on Purim and recounts the story of the holiday. It is customary to hear the Megillah twice during the Purim holiday, once in the evening of the 13th of Adar and once the following morning. The reading of the Megillah is a central part of the Purim celebration and is meant to commemorate the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. The reading is done in a public setting and is accompanied by the use of noisemakers or groggers to blot out the name of Haman whenever it is mentioned. By listening to the Megillah, Jews are able to experience the story of Purim in a communal setting and to celebrate the holiday's themes of triumph over adversity and the preservation of Jewish identity. (Read more: www.chabad.org/644322)
Purim Songs
Purim is a joyful holiday and is celebrated with a variety of songs and music. Many traditional Purim songs, known as "Purim nigunim," are sung during the celebration of the holiday and add to the festive atmosphere. These songs often incorporate the themes of the holiday, including the bravery of Queen Esther, the defeat of Haman, and the salvation of the Jewish people. Some popular Purim songs include "Mishenichnas Adar," "Shoshanas Yaakov," and "Al HaNissim." In addition to traditional songs, many communities also sing more contemporary songs and dances, adding to the variety of the celebration. Singing and dancing are important parts of the Purim celebration, allowing people to come together, have fun, and remember the story of Purim. (Read more: www.chabad.org/364075)
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