Purim
Purim, the Feast of Lots, is one of the most festive days in the Jewish calendar, celebrated on the fourteenth of Adar. In 2027 it runs from sundown on Monday, March 22 to nightfall on Tuesday, March 23. It commemorates the salvation of the Jews of ancient Persia from Haman's plot, as told in the Book of Esther, and is marked by reading the Megillah, wearing costumes, sending food baskets to friends, and giving to those in need.
The Feast of Lots, one of the most festive and joyful days in the Jewish calendar, celebrated on the fourteenth of Adar. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from the plot of the royal vizier Haman, as told in the Book of Esther. It is a day of costumes, celebration, and solidarity.
A hidden queen, a foiled plot, and a people who turned mourning into joy, Purim is survival worn as a costume.
Why It Matters
The Book of Esther tells the story of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who saved the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal plot. Haman cast lots, purim in Hebrew, to determine the date for the destruction of the Jews. Through Esther's courage in revealing her Jewish identity to King Ahasuerus and interceding on behalf of her people, the plot was foiled. Uniquely among Jewish holidays, God's name does not appear in the Book of Esther, the story presents salvation through human courage and moral action. Purim has endured as a celebration of Jewish survival and resilience, with themes that resonate across centuries of Jewish history.
How It Is Observed
The Megillah (Book of Esther) is read aloud in synagogue, with congregants making noise with graggers (noisemakers) to drown out Haman's name whenever it is mentioned. Wearing costumes and masks is traditional, representing the hidden miracles of the story. Mishloach manot, gift baskets of food containing at least two different foods, are sent to friends and neighbors. Matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the poor) fulfills the obligation of charity. A festive Purim seudah (meal) is held, and it is considered a mitzvah to celebrate joyfully. Ad d'lo yada, to the point of not knowing, is the traditional level of festivity encouraged.
Rituals & Symbols
What to Say
Chag Purim Sameach, Happy Purim
"Chag Purim Sameach" ("happy Purim festival") or simply "Happy Purim" is the warm greeting for the day.
“And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday.”Esther 9:20-22
Common Questions
When is Purim in 2027?
Purim 2027 begins at sundown on Monday, March 22 and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, March 23.
What does Purim celebrate?
The rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia from Haman's plot to destroy them, as told in the Book of Esther.
Why the costumes and noise?
Costumes reflect the story's theme of hidden identity, and noisemakers blot out Haman's name during the reading of the Megillah.
What are the mitzvot of Purim?
Hearing the Megillah, sending food gifts (mishloach manot), giving to the poor, and enjoying a festive meal.
What are hamantaschen?
Triangular filled cookies, poppy seed, fruit, or chocolate, said to resemble Haman's three-cornered hat.
Sundown, Mon Mar 22 to nightfall, Tue Mar 23, 2027
Purim begins at nightfall with the first reading of the Megillah; the second reading, gifts, and the festive meal follow during the day.
Traditional Foods
- Hamantaschen (triangular filled cookies)
- Kreplach
- Challah
- Chickpeas
- Wine
- Festive Purim seudah dishes
Chag Purim Sameach, Happy Purim