Purim

Purim is one of the most fun Jewish holidays. It celebrates a story from long ago in the land of Persia. A brave queen named Esther saved the Jewish people from a bad man named Haman. The holiday is full of costumes, treats, and loud cheering.

The Story of Esther

The story of Purim is told in the Book of Esther in the Bible. Esther became the queen of Persia even though she was Jewish. A mean leader named Haman wanted to hurt the Jewish people. Esther was brave and told the king the truth. The king stopped Haman and saved her people.

How People Celebrate

On Purim, kids and grown-ups dress up in fun costumes, kind of like Halloween. They go to the synagogue to hear the story of Esther read out loud. When Haman's name is said, everyone boos and shakes noisy toys called graggers. People eat cookies shaped like triangles called hamantaschen. They also give gifts of food to friends and people in need.

Fun Facts

• Hamantaschen cookies are filled with jam, poppy seeds, or chocolate.
• Purim is celebrated in late winter or early spring.
• The word 'Purim' means 'lots,' like drawing straws to pick a day.

Did You Know?

In the city of Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated one day later than in the rest of the world. This special day is called Shushan Purim.