Purim

Name:

Purim (pronounced "poo-reem") meaning "lots," because the Persian king's advisor Haman, who was plotting to destroy the Jewish people in the kingdom, cast lots to choose the day on which he would carry out his plan. Because Queen Esther saved the Jewish people, it is also called the Festival of Esther.

Date:

The 14th day of the month of Adar (February/March).

Purpose:

To celebrate the national deliverance of the Jewish from destruction under the Persians.

References in the Tanakh (Old Testament):

Ester 9:18-32, "The Jews in Susa.... had assembled on the 13th and 14th... that is why rural Jews-those living in villages- observe the 14th and 15th of the month of Adar as a day of feasting, a day for giving presents to others." The entire book of Esther tells the story of this deliverance

References in the New Testament:

None.

Observance:

The celebration in the synangogue revolves around the reading of the Megillat Ester, the Scroll of Esther. It rehearses how Queen Esther, through the counsel of her uncle, Mordecai, revealed Haman's plot to destroy the Jews. King Ahasuerus had Haman hanged on the gallows Haman built for Mordecai.

During the reading of the scroll, noise makers (groggers) are used when the name of HHaman is read in order to blot it out from hearing and from memory. A traditional festival meal, purim seudah, is held in the late afternoon. Special three-corner pies are served, known as hamantashen. Gifts are given to friends and to the poor. It is a time to be merry and joyful.

Purim is preceded by a fast remembering Esthers fasting before seeing the King to plead for her people.

Fulfillment:

Purim retells the story of the threat of destruction and deliverance. In a broader sense, all of humanity would be cursed with destruction, if not for the intervention of Yeshua, who is an advocate on our behalf. His mission can be seen in Esther, who was royal in stature, yet the people she saved were her brothers and sisters.

This holiday also reminds us that God is always working on our behalf, often behind the scenes. Just because we don't see the Red Sea parting, or a pillar of fire, or 5000 people fed with just a little bread and fish, God is still working his plan out on earth.