What Purim Is
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them, as recounted in the biblical Book of Esther. It is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (in some cities, on the 15th). In Israel, Purim is a national holiday season rather than a single day: schools close, many workplaces give employees the day off or a shortened schedule, and the festivities spill across several days.
Origins and Significance in Israel
Purim's origins lie in the Persian Empire setting of the Book of Esther, where the Jewish queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai thwart the royal vizier Haman's plan to annihilate the Jews. The holiday is observed with four central mitzvot (commandments): reading the Megillah (the Book of Esther), sending gifts of food to friends (mishloach manot), giving charity to the poor (matanot l'evyonim), and enjoying a festive meal (seudah).
In Israel, Purim carries additional national resonance. It is a day when Jewish survival and the reversal of a genocidal threat are celebrated collectively, and it has become one of the most widely observed and exuberant holidays on the Israeli calendar, transcending strict religious observance to become a broadly secular national festival as well.
Customs and Traditions
- Megillah reading: Synagogues hold public readings of the Book of Esther, often with noisy audience participation—booing, rattling graggers (noisemakers), and stamping feet whenever Haman's name is mentioned.
- Costumes (mishloach manot and fancy dress): Dressing up is the hallmark of Purim. Children and adults wear costumes ranging from traditional characters (Esther, Mordechai, King Ahasuerus) to contemporary and humorous themes. The custom is linked to the hidden nature of the miracle in the Purim story.
- Mishloach manot: People send gifts of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat food to friends and neighbors, often delivered in decorated baskets or containers.
- Matanot l'evyonim: Charitable gifts are given to at least two poor people on Purim day.
- Seudah: A festive meal is held on Purim afternoon, traditionally including wine or other alcoholic drink, based on the Talmudic instruction to drink until one cannot distinguish between "cursed is Haman" and "blessed is Mordechai."
- Adloyada: The Hebrew name for the Purim parade, meaning "until one does not know," referencing the drinking custom. Adloyada processions with floats, performers, and costumed participants are held in several Israeli cities.
Food and Drink
- Hamantaschen (oznei Haman): Triangular filled cookies, known in Hebrew as "Haman's ears," filled with poppy seeds, jam, chocolate, or dates. They are the signature Purim treat.
- Festive meal foods: The seudah typically features a substantial meal; customs vary by family and community, with some serving dishes associated with the story, such as seeds and legumes.
- Alcohol: Wine and other alcoholic beverages are customary at the Purim meal, in keeping with the tradition of drinking to celebrate the holiday.
- Mishloach manot contents: Baskets commonly include hamantaschen, fruit, nuts, sweets, and wine or grape juice.
Religious and Civic Observances
- Synagogue services: Evening and morning Megillah readings are held in synagogues across the country, with many congregations hosting family-oriented readings.
- School and workplace schedules: Israeli schools close for Purim, and many workplaces observe a partial or full holiday. The day before Purim (Ta'anit Esther, the Fast of Esther) is a minor fast day observed by many.
- Shushan Purim: In Jerusalem and other cities that were walled in ancient times, Purim is celebrated a day later, on the 15th of Adar, known as Shushan Purim.
- Civic festivities: Municipalities sponsor public events including parades, street parties, carnivals, and performances. The Adloyada in cities such as Tel Aviv and Holon are among the best-known.
Public Festivities
Purim in Israel is marked by widespread public celebration. Streets fill with costumed revelers, and cities host parades, fairs, and outdoor parties. The Adloyada parade tradition dates back to the early 20th century and remains a centerpiece of the holiday in several municipalities. Nightlife venues, community centers, and schools hold costume parties, and the atmosphere is often described as Israel's equivalent of a national carnival.
Regional Variations
- Jerusalem: Because Jerusalem is traditionally considered a city walled since ancient times, Purim is observed there on Shushan Purim (the 15th of Adar), a day later than in most of the country. This makes Jerusalem's celebrations distinctive, with the main festivities occurring after most other cities have finished.
- Other ancient walled cities: A small number of other cities, such as Safed and Tiberias in some traditions, also observe Shushan Purim, though the practice varies.
- Tel Aviv and the coastal plain: Known for large-scale, often secular public parties, parades, and street celebrations, with the Adloyada and related events drawing big crowds.
- Development towns and peripheral areas: Community centers and local councils organize smaller-scale events, including costume contests, Megillah readings, and neighborhood parties.
- Mixed cities and diverse communities: In cities with mixed Jewish and Arab populations, Purim is primarily a Jewish observance, though public events may be attended by a broader public.
Practical Notes for Visitors
- Purim is not a single date on the civil calendar; it falls in late winter or early spring (February or March), determined by the Hebrew calendar.
- In most of Israel, the main celebrations occur on the 14th of Adar; in Jerusalem, they occur a day later.
- Many businesses and public institutions close or operate on reduced hours on Purim day.
- Public events are family-friendly during the day and may become more adult-oriented at night.