פורים

Although the story is one that describes a serious threat to the Persian Jewish people many centuries ago, Purim is a day of feasting and merriment as the story ends with our people being saved. Humorous skits, masquerades, carnivals and clowns have become part of the “staple” of Purim tradition in modern times.

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Even if you don’t know the entire story about the Jewish holiday of Purim, you will probably be familiar with some of its most famous attributes:

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• Treats such as the three-sided poppy seed/prune/jam-filled pastries (Hamentaschen) are enjoyed as well as gifted (see Purim baskets below).

• The public reading of the Book of Esther (megillah).

• Stamping out and or shouting out and or “Grogging Out” the name of the story’s villain, Haman, whenever his name is recited during the reading in order to limit Haman’s impact. 

• Bringing Purim baskets of at least two food items to neighbors, friends and family (mishloach manot).

• Giving tzedakah (charity).

• Children wearing costumes (and often adults).

• Revelry, including drinking for adults

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So exactly what is Purim? What is the story around which this holiday is built?

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It is a celebration of the saving of the Jewish people when we were governed by the Persian King Ahasuerus. A villainous government official, Haman, conspired to have us executed; but due to the bravery of the king’s Jewish wife Esther and her cousin Mordecai, we were saved. Or as the editor of whatjewwannaeat.com writes:

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Anyhoo, if I had to sum up the majority of Jew holidays, it would go something like this. Someone tries to wipe us out, by some ridiculous miracle we triumph, despite lack in numbers and stature, so we rejoice by eating and drinking. And repeat. Purim is no different. Esther, a sassy young Jew living in Persia, saves all the Jews from the King’s evil adviser Haman’s devious plans of extermination. So we rejoice with tons of rowdy parties, costumes and hedonism. Hence why Purim is known as the Jewish Mardi Gras or Halloween. Sign me up! To celebrate, we make tasty triangular cookies called hamantaschen filled with goodness to represent the fashionable three-cornered hat Haman was known to sport. Poppy seeds and prunes are the most common fillings, but I got a little feisty and went with the priciest jam I could find at Whole Foods. And then I dipped them in chocolate. Just because I can.