The Jews are celebrating Purim, the most joyful holiday in Judaism. Jews are celebrating Purim - the most joyful holiday in Judaism in recent history.

19.10.2023 | For children

In Jewish cultural traditions, Purim is considered one of the most life-affirming, spectacular, bright and joyful holidays. It symbolizes the victory of the Jewish people over the enemies who were plotting to destroy them.

In terms of the scope of the celebration in Israel, the celebration can be compared with the New Year that is familiar to us. It is celebrated on the 14th-15th of the month of Adar in accordance with the Jewish calendar, and the date is movable.

The holiday lasts for 2 days, and they are preceded by a 3-day fast. Officially, these days are not considered days off, so work is not prohibited.

The tradition of celebration dates back to the times of the Persian Empire. In 355 BC. it was ruled by King Ahasuerus. He was married to the beautiful Esther, a representative of the Jewish people, which the king did not know about.

Haman served as an adviser at court. He was powerful and vain, demanding to show respect to himself by kneeling. Only Mordechai, Esther’s uncle, dared not to fulfill this whim.

The angry courtier convinced the king to deal with the Jews of the empire, and the king signed a corresponding decree. Haman cast lots (pur) to determine the date of its fulfillment (this is how the name Purim arose).

Mordechai convinced his niece to persuade her husband to change his mind. She arranged a feast for the king and Haman, giving the adviser wine. He was sure that he was being given a great honor. Meanwhile, Esther begged her husband for forgiveness for the Jewish population.

The ruler's decrees could not be canceled, and he had to issue another decree. Jews were given the right to defend their lives and property. So Esther, with her self-sacrifice, saved the Jewish people from extermination.

Celebrations begin at dusk. People take to the streets in festive clothes and congratulate each other: “Chag Purim Sameach” (“Happy Purim”).

Visiting the synagogue on this day is mandatory rule: first in the evening and then the next morning. There the Megillat Esther (“Scroll of Esther”) is read with a description of the events that laid the foundations for the holiday.

While reading, visitors must be attentive and silent. When pronouncing blessings, you should answer: “Amen!” Having heard the name of Aman, listeners express their attitude by whistling, stomping and spinning special rattles.

After visiting the synagogue, lavish feasts are held with drinking wine. This day is considered one on which a Jew is simply obliged to drink. Moreover, excessive wine drinking is not prohibited.

A mandatory attribute of the meal is triangular cookies stuffed with poppy seeds and honey or jam (“Haman’s ears”). Family members must try it and receive it as a gift to relatives and those in need. Giving to the poor on Purim is considered a worthy deed for every Jew.

During the existence of the holiday, a whole layer of folklore was formed in the form of “Purim” literature. The fun wouldn't be complete without theatrical performances reenacting history. People wear carnival outfits when going out. Men are allowed to dress in women's clothing and vice versa, which is prohibited on other days.

In Jewish tradition, it is believed that with the advent of the month of Adar, Jews become more joyful. This means an attitude towards the concept commonly called “fate”. But they do not proclaim silent following the flow of life as a good thing, but allow people the opportunity to influence their happiness and well-being.

Purim balances the worries and trials that surround the Jewish people throughout the year. Therefore, these days you need to demonstrate unbridled optimism, sparkling humor, and reckless fun.

The Jewish holiday Purim 2018 is the most joyful and life-affirming religious holiday per year. He will tell you what it means, what history and traditions it has. tochka.net .

When is Purim 2018 celebrated?

The date of Purim is not constant. It depends on the fateful lot and falls on the 14th of the Jewish month of Adar. And in 2018 the holiday falls on February 28th. It begins to be celebrated after sunset on February 28 and until March 1.

Purim

Purim is dedicated miraculous salvation Jews from extermination in the Persian kingdom more than 2400 years ago - in 2019 the holiday falls on March 21-22, but, like all Jewish holidays, it begins at sunset the day before.

The holiday of Purim is based on the story of how the vizier of King Ahasuerus (Artaxerxes) Haman decided to exterminate the Jews. From the ancient Persian word "pur" means "lot" - Haman threw it, wanting to know when to start exterminating the Jews.

The king's wife, the beautiful Esther (Esther), who hid her Jewish origin from the king, learned about Haman's plans, endured a three-day fast and, confessing to her crowned husband, asked him for the protection of her people.

By the will of the Lord, on the day determined by lot, that is, on Purim, execution befell the treacherous Haman and his sons.

Purim is one of the most interesting and fun holidays. On this day, Jews can afford more than usual - adults do not limit themselves to drinking alcohol, and children are allowed to make noise and run around in the synagogue.

Passover

Passover or Jewish Easter- one of the most important events in Jewish culture. Every year, Passover begins to be celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Nisan according to the Jewish lunar calendar - in 2019, the Passover holiday begins on April 20, March at sunset.

Passover is dedicated to the most important event of biblical history - the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt, which is considered the beginning of the history of the Jewish people. And although the name is similar to Orthodox Easter, its meaning is different. Passover commemorates the liberation of the Jews from Egyptian slavery.

The holiday is based on the story of how the Jews who moved to Egypt gradually turned from guests into slaves. "Passover" in Hebrew means "to pass by."

Wanting to save the Jews, the Lord sent Moses and showed a number of miracles that made possible the exodus of the Jews from Egyptian captivity. The final tenth punishment was decisive - the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians.

In order for the pestilence to bypass Jewish homes, the Lord ordered that every Jewish family slaughter a lamb the evening before the execution, and mark the front door with its blood. And on the night of Nisan 14, the Almighty passed by houses with marks.

The holiday in Israel lasts a week, and outside it lasts eight days.

In memory of the Exodus and subsequent events associated with finding the Promised Land and building our own independent state, the entire system of Judaism is founded.

Hanukkah

The Jewish festival of candles, or Hanukkah according to the Jewish calendar, begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev and lasts eight days. In 2019, Hanukkah falls on December 23, but like all Jewish holidays, it begins the day before at sunset.

Hanukkah is celebrated in memory of the great miracle that occurred in ancient Israel in the 2nd century BC during the rededication of the Temple, after the victory of Jewish rebels over the troops of the Seleucid king Antiochus.

After the Jewish army of the Maccabees took possession of the Temple, oil was found for the temple lamp, the Menorah, which would only last for one day. And in order to make and consecrate the new oil, it took eight whole days. God ensured that the lamp continued to burn, and one day's supply of oil lasted for eight days.

There are many traditions associated with the celebration of Hanukkah, including foods fried in oil reminiscent of the Temple oil, candles being lit in a specific sequence each night of the holiday, and larger gifts being given each evening.

Only children have a holiday on Hanukkah, which is why it is often called “children’s holiday.”

The material was prepared based on open sources