Purim

Appears in

Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America

Published 2004

About

Purim is a Jewish holiday that takes place in early spring to commemorate events detailed in the biblical Megillat Esther (Scroll of Esther). The book describes a failed genocidal plot against the Jews of Persia. The scheme, led by the king’s advisor, Haman, was uncovered by Mordecai. Esther, the niece of Mordecai, won the heart of King Ahasuerus. Through her bravery in speaking up for her people, Haman’s evil plot was foiled and the Jews were spared their planned execution.

The holiday falls on the fourteenth day of Adar in the Hebrew Calendar, which takes place in early spring in the common calendar. Like all Jewish holidays, Purim begins on the preceding evening at sunset. The rituals of Purim derive from a passage in the Scroll of Esther. Two obligations involve food: According to the text, Purim is to be a festival “of feasting and joy, and sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:22).

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