Purim

Purim History

Purim is a Jewish festival observed globally to celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them, as recorded in the biblical Book of Esther. The festivity includes several key aspects like public readings of the Book of Esther, offering charitable gifts, sharing festive meals, and dressing in costumes. The observance also has a unique element known as "Matanot LaEvyonim", which means gifts for the poor. This is done to ensure that everyone has the means to partake in the feast.

The origins of Purim date back to ancient Persia, as narrated in the Book of Esther, highlighting Jewish Queen Esther's role in the Jewish people's liberation. For Canadians, Purim places great emphasis on unity, charity, and joyfulness, reflecting the country's multicultural ethos. Purim's festive and charitable spirit resonates with Canadians, leading to vibrant community celebrations, with charitable organizations working to ensure all individuals can partake in Purim's joy.

In Canada, Purim is observed similarly to how it is worldwide, with synagogues becoming the centre of celebrations. Performing the Book of Esther aloud, Canadian Jews engage in the tradition of blotting out the name of Haman, the story's antagonist, with noise makers or "Graggers". Purim parties, Purim plays, and carnivals are popular among the younger generation. There is often a focus on charitable efforts as part of the observance, reflecting Canada's strong commitment to aiding those less fortunate. The celebration typically occurs in late February or early March, aligned with the 14th day in the Jewish calendar month of Adar.

Facts about Purim

• Purim is considered to be a joyous holiday often accompanied by celebrations, plays, festive food and costume parties.
• Purim holiday is often preceded by fast, referred to as the Fast of Esther. This fast commemorates Esther's three days of fasting in preparation for her meeting with the king. The fast is observed from dawn until dusk on the eve of Purim.
• The story of Purim is told in the book of Esther, which is also known as "the Scroll" (Megillah in Hebrew).
• The Purim of 1943 holds a special place in Canadian Jewish history, marking the arrival of hundreds of Jewish refugees from Europe during World War II, a turbulent time that highlighted the themes of persecution and deliverance associated with Purim.
• Canadians observing Purim also send gifts of food and drink, known as "mishloach manot", to their friends and donate charity to the poor. Many Jewish schools in Canada will educate students about Purim, using the holiday as a way to teach about Jewish history and culture. This can include having children participate in plays reenacting the Purim story.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Purim

Top things to do in Canada for Purim

• Make a Mishloach Manot (also known as mishloach manos or shalach manos). This is a gift of at least two kinds of food that are ready to eat. Give them out to neighbors, friends and associates.
• Make Hamantaschen cookies. These are pocket triangle shaped cookies that are often made with fruit, poppy seed or cheese filling.
• The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Toronto: This centre organises a variety of Purim activities such as costume parties, carnivals, and Purim plays (also known as Purimspiels). Children can engage in arts and crafts related to the holiday. The community centre also bakes traditional hamentaschen cookies.
• Read a book to learn more about Purim in Canada:
  The Jewish Holiday Kitchen: 250 Recipes from Around the World to Make Your Celebrations Special - by Joan Nathan
  A Treasury of Jewish Holidays: History, Legends, Traditions - by Hyman E. Goldin