Purim in 2025 is celebrated from the evening of Thursday, March 13 until the evening of Friday, March 14. Check back for information about this year's celebrations!
Prepare for Purim musically! Sing some favorite Purim songs and watch musical videos using these online resources developed by Cantor Abby Gostein.
What is Purim?
Purim is celebrated with a public reading-usually in the synagogue-of the Book of Esther (Megillah Esther), which tells the story of the holiday. Under the rule of King Ahashverosh, Haman, the king's prime minister, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of Persia from destruction. The reading of the megillah typically is a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman's name is read aloud.
Purim is an unusual holiday in many respects. First, Esther is the only biblical book in which God is not mentioned. Second, Purim, like Chanukah, traditionally is viewed as a minor festival, but elevated to a major holiday as a result of the Jewish historical experience. Over the centuries, Haman became the embodiment of every anti-Semite in every land where Jews were oppressed. The significance of Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become: a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival against all odds.
There are many fun traditions surrounding Purim, and there are also four commandments, or mitzvot – the plural of mitzvah – to fulfill. All of the mitzvot associated with Purim are related to taking care of one another: reading the Megillah (the story of Purim), sending gifts to friends (mishloach manot), eating a special meal, and giving to those experiencing poverty.