Purim
Your guide to Purim traditions, history, recipes, and more!
Quick Facts
Meaning of Hebrew Name: “Lots” (as in “casting lots”—not as in “lots of something”)
English Name: Purim (pronounced POOR-im, not PURE-im)
General Calendar Month: February/March
Jewish Calendar Date: Adar 14
Establishment of Purim: Fifth century BC; see Esther 9:20–22
Dates
Starts at sundown on
March 2, 2026
And ends at sundown on
March 3, 2026
Why Purim?
A kindly uncle challenging his niece-turned-queen. A brave Jewish girl standing up for her people—preventing genocide, in fact. A pagan king who somehow becomes an ally, and a God who is there but doesn’t speak. How do all these parts of the story translate to the way we celebrate today?
Origin of Purim
Purim is rooted in the biblical story of Esther. It is the unlikely story of a Jewish girl living in Persian Empire who was forcefully taken to be the wife of the Persian king, Xerxes. Esther hid her Jewish identity from Xerxes until the king’s wicked counselor Haman hatched a plot against the Jews. Then she was forced to reveal her identity in an effort to save her people.
Observance
Purim is fun—and with good reason! The rabbis explain “[We read in connection with Purim] gladness and feasting and a good day; ‘gladness’: this teaches that it is forbidden on these days to mourn; ‘feasting’: this teaches that it is forbidden on them to fast; ‘a good day’: this teaches that it is forbidden on them to do work” (Megillah 5b).
If you have a local JCC (Jewish Community Center), or if you attend a congregation or synagogue, you may already be plugged in to ways to observe in community. Here are some things you might expect at a Purim celebration—they can also be adapted if you’re hosting at home. Chag Purim Sameach (Happy Purim)!
Hamantaschen
There’s one recipe that classically says “Purim.” And it’s even part of proclaiming the miracle!
For Kids
All the Jewish holidays in the year are meant for the whole family to celebrate together. But Purim is one holiday where it’s perhaps most natural for the kids to come alongside—or even assume some leadership for the day! If you have artsy teens, they may want to write or even help direct a Purim play. And middle-grade children might love acting in it. There are creative opportunities for getting the little ones involved too.
