Purim

The Festival of Purim has its origins in the book of Esther. Unlike the other festivals, which are instituted by divine instructions, Purim is instituted by Mordecai and Esther to celebrate their victory over their oppressors.

In 2 Maccabees 15:36, the Festival of Purim is called “Mordecai’s Day”.

Purim is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the month Adar (February/March). The festival derives its name from the story in Esther 3:7. Haman, servant of the Persian king, casts a lot (Persian: Pur) to determine the date on which to exterminate the Jews. But Esther, the king’s Jewish wife, and her adoptive father Mordecai, manage to foil this plan just in time. The king then has Haman and his sons hanged.
 
During the Festival of Purim, this salvation from extermination is lavishly celebrated.

On the eve of the Festival of Purim, Jewish people fast to remember Esther’s fast in Esther 4:15-16.

At the festival itself, the book of Esther is read in the synagogue. Every time the name of Haman is spoken, the people do their best to drown it out with the sound of rattles and stamping of feet. Children and adults dress up in masks and costumes. A special type of biscuit called Haman’s ears, is eaten.

The poor are given gifts and people exchange gifts with each other (see Esther 9:22).