Purim is undeniably the most joyous and festive holiday in Judaism. It's a time for children to dress up in costumes, and for adults to celebrate and revel. Discover the dates of Purim in 2025, the history, and the celebrations of this biblical day of commemoration.
When does Purim take place in 2025?
In 2025, the Purim festival begins on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at sunset and ends on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at nightfall .
Note that a fast takes place on March 13th: this is the Fast of Esther . In 2025, the fast must be observed from 05:34 to 19:32 (Paris time).
In the Hebrew calendar, the festival of Purim takes place on the 14th day of the month of Adar. This corresponds to the last full moon of winter, just before the first full moon of spring, which corresponds to the festival of Passover .
The Story of Purim: Mordecai and the Book of Esther
To fully understand the story of Purim, we must go back to the 4th century BCE . Here is the story of Purim as it is described in the Book of Esther.
Long ago, Ahasuerus, the king of the Persian Empire, condemned his wife Vashti for disobedience. Then he summoned all the young women of the kingdom to find him a new wife. He married Esther, a beautiful young woman of Jewish origin and the niece of Mordecai. But at her uncle's command, Esther concealed her Jewish heritage .
Shortly after, Haman gained the trust of King Ahasuerus and became prime minister. He had a decree passed, signed by the king, to exterminate the entire Jewish people . The date of the massacre was chosen by lot (Purim means “lot”): the 13th of Adar.
Mordecai refused to bow down before Haman. Mordecai convinced the Jews to repent, fast, and pray to God.
To protect her people, Esther organized a feast during which she revealed her Jewish origins . Haman and his ten sons were hanged, and Mordecai became prime minister.
Following this turn of events, the Jews escaped the massacre and were allowed by the king to defend themselves against their enemies . After a day of battle, the Jews celebrated their victory. Thus, Purim became a day of celebration for all subsequent generations.
How do we celebrate Purim?
The day of Purim is marked by 4 religious obligations (mitzvot) :
- The ritual reading of the Book of Esther (the Megillah);
- A joyous feast to which all family and friends are invited;
- Sending gifts consisting of food (cakes, drinks, etc.) to friends;
- Give to charity by making a donation to at least two people in need.
Although Purim is a holy day (Yom Tov), it is not obligatory to restrict one's activities, and marriage is permitted. However, it is still advisable to avoid any professional activity that might prevent one from fully enjoying the day.
Reading of the Megillah
On the day of the festival, during the morning and evening services, the Scroll of Esther is read. Adults and children may attend the reading in costume. Each time the name Haman is pronounced, people stamp their feet in protest. This very ancient practice serves to erase the memory of Amalek, Haman's ancestor.
The Purim meal
Jews have a duty to hold a large festive meal on Purim. Unlike other Jewish holidays, the meal must be eaten during the day. This meal must consist of meat, bread, and wine. Every man has the right (and even the duty!) to get drunk on Purim, to the point of no longer being able to distinguish between "Arour Haman" (cursed be Haman) and "Baruch Mordechai" (blessed be Mordechai).
Mishloach manot, the Purim basket
The mitzvah of "Mishloach Manot," mentioned in the Megillah, consists of sending a basket of at least two different ready-to-eat foods to at least one Jewish person in one's circle (friends, family, neighbors, etc.) on Purim. According to Halakha, every person who has completed their Bar or Bat Mitzvah must send a Mishloach Manot.
The baskets can be given in person or through the children, who are then rewarded with sweets and treats.
In addition to the Purim basket, it is obligatory to perform the mitzvah of giving money to at least two different poor people.
What are the Purim cakes?
During the Purim festival , cakes and pastries take center stage . Among the Purim treats are white wafers, which symbolize the innocence and purity of Queen Esther. Also popular are Purim Kuhlish , the famous small cinnamon doughnuts traditionally enjoyed during the Jewish holiday. Other favorites include mantecados (shortbread cookies) and Haman's Ears , small filled pastries prepared exclusively for Purim. These pastries are symbolic nods to the biblical figure of Haman, from whom the Jewish people were redeemed. All kinds of Middle Eastern pastries (cigars, honey makroud, gazelle horns, etc.) are welcome, and people often give them as gifts to their loved ones.
Why do we dress up on Purim?
Purim is considered the Jewish carnival. Costumes and disguises are the order of the day on this festive occasion. In Israel, adults and children dress up for school or work. Everyone parades through the streets with joy and pride. But why do people dress up for Purim? First and foremost, it's a tribute to Queen Esther , who had to conceal her Jewish identity to protect herself and her people. Symbolically, she disguised herself as a queen, but without forgetting her values, that is, her Jewish identity.
On the other hand, we celebrate King Ahasuerus's permission for the people to break the rules. And finally, since "Purim" means "fate," isn't it the perfect day to laugh at fate and the way events turn in our favor?
To learn more:
Discover the 2022 calendar of Jewish holidays
1 comment
Shalom
Merci pour cette orientation aussi simple et précise.
Puisse Hashem vous fortifier. Amen
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