With the coming of the 14th day of Adar, comes the joyous, noisy, anything-goes Jewish holiday of Purim. The story of Purim comes from Megillat Esther, the Book of Esther.
In the story, King Ahasuerus banishes Queen Vashti and falls in love with Esther. Esther has been told by her uncle, Mordecai, not to reveal to King Ahasuerus that she is a Jew. The king’s advisor, Haman demands that everyone bow down to him, and Mordecai refuses. As a result, Haman decides to destroy all Jews. Mordecai enlists the help of Esther, who risks her life to go to King Ahasuerus in order to save the Jewish people.
On Purim, Jews celebrate the brave Queen Esther and ultimate destruction of Haman’s plan with a great celebration, as is stated in Esther 9:20-22, “Mordecai recorded these events. He sent dispatches to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus, near and far, charging them to observe the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar, every year – the same days on which the Jews enjoyed relief from their foes and the same month which had been transformed for them from one of grief and mourning to one of festive joy. They were to observe them as days of feasting and merrymaking, and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor.”
The Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot
Mishloach Manot, sending of portions, is a long time Purim tradition based on Mordecai’s words “an occasion for sending gifts to one another.” The word manot, meaning gifts is plural and therefore to fulfill the mitzvah, at least two gifts should be given to two people.
Any type of container can be used to place the gifts – a bag, box, basket, tray – and these can be decorated anyway chosen. Mishloach Manot can be customized for individual people and the giver can be creative in what is given. The only requirement is that the gift contains at least two different kinds of food.
Traditionally, Mishloach Manot include lots of hamantashen, along with dried and fresh fruits, a variety of nuts and candies, and wine or juice. Mishloach Manot are delivered to friends, family and neighbors on Purim.
The Mitzvah of Matanot L’Evyoneem
Matanot L’Evyoneem, sending gifts to the poor, is as important as giving tzedakah on any other Jewish holiday or life cycle event. Additionally, Mordecai specifically says to give “presents to the poor” during the Purim holiday.
To fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot L’Evyoneem, gifts of money are given to the poor and needy. These must be given to at least two different people.
The Mitzvah of Megillat Esther
The Megillat Esther, the Book of Esther, is read in order to retell the Purim story every year. Traditionally, the Megillah is read in synagogue and during the reading, the sound of Haman’s name is overpowered by boos, hisses and loud noises. Since Haman was so wicked, participants will do anything to prevent hearing his name – loud graggers spin, noisemakers are shaken, voices are shouting and feet are stomping.
To fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot L’Evyoneem, one must listen to and hear the entire reading of the Megillah. It is not required that it be read, but it must be heard.
The Mitzvah of Purim Se’udah
Purim Se’udah is the last of the four mitzvot of Purim and requires participating in a Purim feast. Purim is a time when friends, family and the community gathers together to celebrate the triumph over yet another enemy.
The festive feast includes a large dairy meal with lots of hamantashen and wine. According to Jewish tradition, each person should drink and make merry until they cannot tell the difference between the evil Haman and the good Mordecai.
References and Resources:
Megillat Esther
TaNaKh, Book of Esther
Jewish Every Day by Maxine Segal Handelman
The Jewish Kids Catalog by Chaya M. Burstein
Malysa Stratton Louk - Malysa Stratton Louk is a freelance writer, journalist & photographer in the Pacific Northwest. View her full profile for more ...
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