Purim: The Festival of Joy and Survival
- Gil B
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
If you find yourself in Israel in March, you might walk into a scene that looks like a mix of a carnival and a historical reenactment. Streets are filled with people in colorful costumes, music plays everywhere, and sweets are exchanged between friends and strangers. Welcome to Purim, one of the most joyful and unique holidays in the Jewish calendar!
What is Purim?
Purim commemorates the survival of the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them in ancient Persia, as told in the Book of Esther. During the reign of King Ahasuerus (believed to be Xerxes I), his advisor Haman planned to wipe out the Jewish population. Thanks to the courage of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, the Jewish people turned the decree around and survived.The name Purim comes from the word Pur, which means fate, which Haman cast when to kill all the Jews.
Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar (or the 15th in walled cities like Jerusalem), symbolizing resilience, bravery, and divine intervention. In 2025, Purim festivities will take place from March 13th to 14th across Israel. In Jerusalem, Tiberias and Safed the holiday will continue, Saturday night, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. As Purim is not a Biblical holiday, the correct blessing is Happy Purim.
How is Purim Celebrated?
Unlike solemn Jewish holidays, Purim is filled with fun, feasting, and giving. Here’s how it’s celebrated:
Reading the Megillah (Scroll of Esther): The story is read aloud in synagogues twice—at night and in the morning. Every time Haman’s name is mentioned, the crowd makes loud noises with graggers (noisemakers) to symbolically erase him from history. Visiting a synagogue for the Megillah reading is free and offers an authentic cultural experience!
Costumes & Festivities: People of all ages dress up, often inspired by the Purim story, but also in anything fun or creative. The tradition reflects the theme of hidden miracles since God’s intervention in the story is concealed. If you want to take pictures with locals, just ask politely!
Mishloach Manot (Gift Baskets): One of the key traditions is giving food gifts to friends and neighbors. These baskets include at least two food items, often Hamantaschen, a triangular pastry filled with sweet fillings. Originally from Germany, the name derives from Mohntasche (poppy seed pocket), which sounded like Haman’s name in Yiddish.
Matanot La’Evyonim (Charity for the Poor): Purim emphasizes generosity, with donations of money or food given to at least two people in need so they can also celebrate.
The Purim Feast (Se’udat Purim): A festive meal with wine, meat dishes, and joyful toasts brings families and friends together. Drinking wine is customary—though in moderation—to enhance the spirit of celebration.
Plates of traditional Hamantashen filled with poppy seed and apple fillings, perfect for celebrating Purim.
Where to Experience Purim in Israel?
Israel is one of the best places to enjoy Purim, as the entire country comes alive with street parties, parades, and events:
Jerusalem: The city celebrates Purim a day later (Shushan Purim). The parties in Mahane Yehuda Market and Nachlaot neighborhood are unforgettable.
Tel Aviv: Known for its wild and creative Purim parties, Tel Aviv hosts extravagant costume parades and major celebrations.
Safed & Tiberias: These northern cities offer a more spiritual and traditional Purim experience, with lively synagogue readings and community feasts.
The Meaning Behind the Celebration
Beyond the fun, Purim carries a powerful message: the triumph of good over evil, courage over fear, and unity over division. The story of Esther reminds us that even in dark times, a single act of bravery can change the course of history.
If you’re in Israel during Purim, don’t just watch from the sidelines—join in! Dress up, taste Hamantaschen, listen to the Megillah, and experience one of the most joyful expressions of Jewish heritage.
Happy Purim!
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