Purim is a Jewish festival celebrated on the 14th of Adar in the Jewish calendar.  This falls in either February or March.  This year Purim falls in the middle of March.  The holiday is celebrated to remember Esther, who saved the Jews from destruction in 473 BC during the Persian occupation. 

The festival includes a complete reading of the Book of Esther (Megila) in the synagogue.  During the reading the listeners respon with stamping, whistling, and hissing whenever the name of the evil character Haman is mentioned. 

There are four mitzvot (good deeds) that should be performed to properly celebrate Purim.

* The reading of Megillat Esther

* Festival meal, including meat dishes and wine. 

* Shalach Monat (sending gifts) to one another.  The gifts traditionally consist of at least 2 types of sweet food.

*Matanot L'Evyonim (gift to the poor) like food, drink, money, or clothing.

On Purim we dress in costumes and wear masks.  The characters are mostly Queen Esther, her brother Mordecai, Haman, or King Ahasuerus, but they can include modern characters, or even animals or inanimate objects.  A favorite Purim treat is Hamentashen, a triangle shaped filled pastry.  Click here for a Hamentashen recipe

Maya A., 8 year old girl, Beeler Elementary School