Study Sheet – Purim
Olam study program revision sheet – Jewish conversion
1. The Story of Purim
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jews of Persia. Esther, a Jewish orphan, becomes queen of King Ahasuerus. Haman, the prime minister and descendant of Agag king of Amalek, casts lots (pur = lots) to fix a date for the extermination of the Jews. Mordechai convinces Esther to intervene. After a three-day fast, Esther reveals the plot to the king. Haman is hanged and the Jews are permitted to defend themselves.
Date: 14 Adar (14 Adar II in leap years).
Shushan Purim (15 Adar): in cities surrounded by walls from the time of Joshua (such as Jerusalem), Purim is celebrated on the 15th, because the Jews of Shushan fought one extra day before rejoicing.
Purim Katan: in a leap year, the 14th of Adar I; the main celebration takes place on the 14th of Adar II.
2. Megillat Esther
Megillat Esther is one of the five Megillot of the Tanakh. It contains 10 chapters. God's name does not appear explicitly — the only biblical book with this feature, symbolizing hidden divine Providence working through natural events.
Reading is obligatory twice: in the evening (at nightfall) and in the morning. From a kosher parchment scroll. Every word must be heard. Noise is made (rattle/gragger) at the name of Haman to "erase the memory of Amalek" (Devarim 25:19).
Why no Hallel on Purim: the Megillah serves that function, and the Jews remained under Persian rule after the miracle.
3. The Four Mitzvot of Purim
- Reading Megillat Esther (evening + morning)
- Mishloach Manot – sending food portions (at least 2 ready-to-eat foods, to at least 1 person). Purpose: strengthening friendship.
- Matanot la'Evyonim – gifts to the poor (to at least 2 people). Maimonides teaches that giving to the poor is more meritorious than feasting or exchanging gifts with friends.
- Se'udat Purim – festive meal on the afternoon of 14 Adar. Ad delo yada: drink "until one cannot distinguish 'cursed be Haman' from 'blessed be Mordechai.'" Interpretation varies: some literally, others moderately.
4. Shabbat Zachor and the Fast of Esther
Shabbat Zachor: the Shabbat before Purim. The Torah portion about Amalek is read (Devarim 25:17-19) — commanding to remember Amalek and erase his name. Haman is a descendant of Agag king of Amalek. It is one of the few readings with a specific obligation.
Ta'anit Esther (Fast of Esther): a minor fast on 13 Adar (sunrise to sunset), recalling the three-day fast decreed by Esther before approaching the king (Esther 4:16). If the 13th falls on Shabbat, the fast is moved to Thursday (11 Adar).
5. Purim Customs
Costumes: in remembrance of Esther concealing her Jewish identity. Also linked to the theme of the "hidden" in the Megillah (hidden Providence, God's name absent). The custom appears in medieval sources (14th century). Restriction: a man must not dress as a woman and vice versa.
Al HaNissim: a passage added to the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon (as on Hanukkah), giving thanks for the miracles.
Machatzit HaShekel: the custom of giving three coins (in memory of the half-shekel given for the Temple).
Key Takeaways – Summary
- Purim = 14 Adar, salvation of the Jews of Persia
- Esther + Mordechai vs. Haman (descendant of Amalek)
- Megillat Esther: 10 chapters, no name of God, read twice
- 4 mitzvot: Megillah, Mishloach Manot, Matanot la'Evyonim, Se'udah
- Ad delo yada = drink until one cannot distinguish
- Shabbat Zachor: Amalek (Devarim 25:17-19)
- Fast of Esther: 13 Adar, minor fast
- Shushan Purim: 15 Adar (walled cities)
- Costumes: theme of hiddenness, hidden Providence
- No Hallel (the Megillah replaces it)
- Al HaNissim in the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon
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