The Festival of Lots
Observed on the 14th day in the month of Adar, this Jewish festival is in memory of the first recorded victory of the community over anti-Semitism. Celebrations include prayer meetings, fasts, and feasts.
Purim literally means `lots`. It refers to the custom of picking out a random number from a group, as in a raffle, to come to a quick decision. The Purim festival celebrates the first recorded victory of the Jews against the forces of anti-Semitism. The festival got its name from a legend in the Old Testament. According to the Book of Esther, the Jews were captives of the Persian king, Ahasuerus, who ruled from Ethiopia to India. His chiefminister, Hamman, was a fanatic who hated the Jews. Enraged with the community for not giving as much respect to him and his gods as he desired, he persuaded King Ahasuerusto order their extermination. To decide the day of the annihilation, Hamman drew lots and picked the 13th day of Adar. The Jews discovered the deadly plot. The leader of the community, Mordecai, was a cousin of the queen,the beautiful Esther. Mordecai confided in Esther, apprised her of the plan that Hamman had made, and asked for her help. Esther commanded the Jews to fast on the 13th day of Adar to demonstrate their resolve against Hamman and his evil plan. She then beseeched her husband to spare them from the evil designs of Hamman. As a result, Mordecai and the other Jews were spared and Hamman executed. The event is remembered with joy and celebrated with fervour.
The festivities commence with a fast on the 13th of Adar, in memory of the order that Queen Esther had given. Purim, the 14th day of Adar, is a day of rejoicing at the victory of good over evil and of giving thanks to god at their providential deliverance. The Scroll of Esther is chanted during the service insynagogues to pay tribute to the queen for her role in saving them. There is a fun-filled atmosphere during the ceremony. Adults and children attend the sermon in fancy dress. Whenever the name of Hamman is mentioned, they stamp their feet and make noises with their rattles to drown his name and blot out his memory. It is also a time for parties. According to Rabbinic law, Jews are expected to exchange food parcels with relatives, friends and neighbours, donate to charity, and partake of a special family meal in the afternoon. Fried pastries and triangular buns orpastries filled with poppy seeds, dates and prunes are traditional fare. Elders distribute gelt or Purim money to children. Effigies of Hamman are also burnt.
The following day, is celebrated as Purim Shushan, in remembrance of the fighting in the Persian capital Shushan, after King Ahasuerus granted the Jews an extra day to vanquish their enemies. The rabbis decreed that in? cities that were walled in the days of Joshua, Purim should be celebrated on the 15th.
In leap years, there are two months of Adar. The 14th of the first month is known as Purim Katan or `lesserPurim`. There are no prayers or fasts on this day.