Purim

History: Purim is celebrated on the 14th day in the month Adar using the Jewish calendar. For the Gregorian calendar the day falls in the months of February and March. The day commemorates back in the 4th century BC, when Jewish people were saved from a death decree according to the book of Esther.Purim (which means “lots” in Persian) is the Jewish holiday that celebrates how the Jewish people were saved from annihilation in ancient Persia as told in the Biblical book of Esther. In the story, Haman, the evil advisor to King Ahasuerus of Persia, plots to kill all the Jews. However, through the courageous actions of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, Haman’s evil plan is derailed and the Jewish people are spared.Purim is called the “Festival of Lots” because Haman casts lots to determine when he would carry out his plan (in Esther 3:7). (For a different explanation of the meaning of the name “Purim,” that it was really named after Esther’s actions, we recommend this video from our friends at Aleph Beta.)On Purim, Jews celebrate the great reversal of fortune of the Jews of Persia and how the day that was originally set for their destruction transformed into one of great joy and celebration. Purim is one of the most festive and joyous occasions of the year, but it also grapples with the deeper and more troubling themes of the story.