When Is It Time To Celebrate Purim?

Calling ALL Modern-Day Esthers, We have taken the month of March to learn more regarding the Festival of Purim. We are getting close to celebrating this date! Let's learn more of the customs and when to celebrate! 

What Are Purim Customs?

1. Within the Jewish calendar, the fun of Purim is incomparable to any other date! This is a day to celebrate Jewish heritage, silliness, and enjoying life!

2. It is also customary for children and sometimes adults to dress up in costumes. The Jewish People wear masks or costumes as a symbol of the hidden meaning in the story of Esther. It is really behind the scenes God called Esther "For Such A Time As This" to save His people.  

3. A traditional Purim food is "hamantaschen". These are three-cornered sweet pastries smoothed with poppy seeds. 

4. On the day before Purim, it is customary to fast. This is commemorating Esther’s fasting. Queen Esther fasted with the Jewish people for three days prior to her going before the King. 

When Can We Celebrate?

One of the different aspects of Purim is the timing for its celebration.

● Common Celebration: Jewish People worldwide celebrate Purim on Adar 14.

● Walled Cities: In history, the Jewish people of Shushan rested one day later, on Adar 15. As a result, their Purim was celebrated on 15th. This practiced extended to all cities surrounding the walls during the days of Joshua. This would include the Old City of Jerusalem.

● Small Towns: Long ago, within the Holy Land, villagers only united together with fellow Jewish people in the larger towns on Mondays and Thursdays. These were common market days. As a result, the sages decreed that the Megillah should be read on the day preceding 14 Adar. However this custom is no longer practiced.

Esthers mark your calendar for the upcoming Festival of Purim. Make sure to read the book of Esther beforehand. This book in the bible is a must read and we encourage ALL Esthers to schedule time this month to review Esther. Happy Purim!