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The Story of Purim

The word Purim means 'lots' as in lottery and we learn how the evil Haman wanted to draw lots to decide when he should massacre the jews, but courageously Mordechai and Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from this evil plot and in fact it was the wicked Haman who was himself killed.

In the Synagogue the story of Purim - which is called 'the Megillah' in Hebrew - is read from the book of Esther and everyone is encouraged to drown out the name of the villain Haman not only with shouting but also with 'groggers' or noisemakers, it is not often that you are actually asked to make a noise in Synagogue is it?!

You can dress up and some people wear masks with their costumes -- a bit like Haloween. Parties are held with games, plays, crafts, contests and sweet treats (try our delicious hamantashan recipe --these are sometimes called Haman's pockets, and the triangular shape represents Haman's three-cornered hat!). Families and friends celebrate at home with a festive meal. It is a time to give gifts to charities, and everyone is encouraged to eat, drink and be merry, but never forgetting the courage and strength of the Jews who overcame their evil enemy all those years ago.