The Jewish holiday of Purim is dedicated to the memory of how, during the time of Persian slavery, the Jewish people were miraculously saved from extermination. In 2024, celebrations will be held again, on March 24-25, dedicated to this significant event. The word "pur" is encrypted in the name - in translation it means lot. He was thrown by Haman, who held the position of supreme dignitary, choosing the month during which it was planned to completely exterminate the Jews.
When they celebrate - dates
What date Jews will celebrate Purim in 2024 depends on many nuances. The inhabitants of Israel determine the exact date according to the lunar calendar.If we take the Gregorian calendar as a basis, then the day of universal Jewish joy falls approximately in the middle of the first month of spring. In some parts of the Promised Land, the holiday may be celebrated a day later.
You need to take into account the temporary shifts that have developed historically. First of all, this concerns Jerusalem, Tevria and Hebron. Most Jews will remember their salvation during the Persian slavery on the night of Sunday March 24th to Monday March 25th. The celebration itself begins at dusk and ends the next day, also in the late afternoon.
There are also Jewish leap years, growing with an additional month - Adar Sheni (the second Adar). In this case, the event is celebrated on it, since the Talmudic history indicates that such a date is closer to the present one.
Historical roots
The celebration of Purim has its roots in ancient times.Its origins are hidden in 586 BC, when Jerusalem was destroyed by order of the Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar, and the Jews were enslaved. After some time, power was in the hands of the Persian king Xerxes the First. He married Esther (Esther), not knowing about her Jewish origin.
In 335 BC, the courtier Haman came up with the idea of exterminating all the Jews just because he did not receive proper respect from the adviser to the king of the Jews, Mordechai. Fraudulently, he obtained from the Persian ruler the signing of a decree giving him complete freedom of action. The lot fell on the month of Adar - the twelfth, the final year.
Salvation came from Queen Esther. She called on all Jews to fast and pray, and after that she told her husband about her origin and begged to spare her people. The royal decree was not subject to cancellation, but the ruler issued another one. He allowed the Jews to defend themselves by any means and means. The Jews defended their lives, and Haman, who plotted intrigues, perished.
Meaning of the holiday
During Purim, the struggle of the Jewish people, aimed at physical survival, is remembered. They were able to avoid destruction, so they celebrate their victory merrily and joyfully.
As a rule, every family has a festive feast. It does not do without triangular-shaped pies. Their filling is sweet - most often dried fruits with nuts are used. This delicacy is called "Aman's purses" .
Such pies are a kind of reminder of the feat of Queen Esther, who avoided eating non-kosher food, constantly following a diet.
In addition to triangular pies, there are traditionally numerous dishes on the festive table:
- tsimes from prunes with carrots;
- pot-baked lamb;
- soup with matzo dumplings;
- beef tongue with sweet and sour sauce.
It is also customary to cook dumplings in chicken broth, vegetable kugel, zucchini in sour cream sauce, homemade lemonade. An integral part of the holiday is wine, a sign of happiness.
Post Esther
Traditionally, the Jewish religious celebration of Purim is preceded by the so-called Fast of Esther. It was installed in memory of how the Jews all over Israel, led by the wife of the king of Persia, were fasting, at the same time praying to God for the grant of victory during the battle with enemies. It happened on 13 Adar.
In the case when this day falls on Saturday, they fast early - on Thursday 11 Adar. Regardless of what date Purim will be celebrated in 2024, as in previous years, preparations for a joyful celebration will begin with a fast day.
How to celebrate Purim
The Feast of Deliverance from the Extermination of Amun is a minor holiday, which means that work is not forbidden on this day. In addition to a fun feast, traditional Purim celebrations include:
- reading the Torah and the scroll of Esther;
- preparing and distributing gifts to those in need;
- sending food and drinks to another Jew;
- complementing the usual spoken prayer with a thematic insert;
- non-observance of mourning;
- rejection of the post.
It is obligatory to use Esther's scroll, written on parchment in compliance with all the canons. Women listen to the reading along with men, remembering the miracle of getting rid of Haman. When the name of this treacherous and evil courtier is heard, listeners make a fuss to express their contempt, and children use special rattles.
There is a custom of dressing up in carnival costumes, organizing numerous processions, and also playing special performances related to the storyline associated with the scroll of Esther.
It's understandable why people are so happy - the Jews managed to avoid complete destruction.For many centuries, the holiday was celebrated in secret. Now nothing prevents the Jews, especially those living in Israel, from noisily and cheerfully celebrating Purim. On this day, it is customary to have fun, forgetting about everyday chores and helping those in need.
