Purim (“lots”), described in the biblical Book of Esther, marks the salvation of ancient Persian Jews from a plot to wipe them out. The story transpired in Shushan, the walled capital city of Persia, where, according to the scroll, the plot was only fully foiled on the 15th day of Adar. The scroll describes how Esther, a Jewish orphan, became queen to King Ahasuerus, and was thus in a position to foil the schemes of Haman, the evil vizier who planned the genocide. She was alerted to the plot by Mordechai, her uncle, was evidently on the king’s council.
The name of the holiday reflects the Pur – the lots drawn by Haman to determine when exactly his (ultimately unsuccessful) plot to destroy the Jewish people was to be carried out.
Australia’s long months of COVID-19 lockdowns may have tested the community’s resolve in Melbourne, but its synagogues were never busier – even if it was only virtually
United Torah Judaism says it will reconsider its position on government coronavirus restrictions, in the wake of an hours-long freeze of bus and train service to Jerusalem meant to curb large Purim gatherings
Thousands of people circumvent the ban on transportation to and from the city — to prevent large crowds during the Purim holiday — by marching along the highways
Historians of American Judaism point to Purim as an important holiday that did much to increase Jews’ visibility in the United States in the 19th century
With Israel about to begin three-day nightly curfew over coronavirus concerns, Nachman Ash says it is 'very dismaying' to see parties taking place
Police brace for holiday's celebrations amid easing of coronavirus restrictions, while Israel's government weighs the extension of curfew
Israel's Health Ministry wants ministers to adopt a proposal for an overnight curfew starting Thursday to avoid COVID violations during the holiday
Citing the experience of last year’s holiday, which became a super-spreader event, the Orthodox Union and Rabbinical Council of America are stressing the need for caution this year
Haaretz excitedly reported to its readers that 'people are dancing in the air' for the first time ever
Some girls fantasize about being a call girl, others about being justice minister in a fascist regime
What is its origin? When did it begin? Why did many Jews scorn it – and is the underlying tale of love, murder and betrayal true?
Something borrowed, something Lent? The custom seems to have arisen in 13th century Italy, as festivities and masquerading escalated towards Shrove Tuesday
One Jewish history professor believes we should forget everything we think we know about who the villain of the Purim story really is (hint: he was born in Bethlehem and his dad was a carpenter)
It has taken 2,400 years, but the Purim women’s roles are finally being reappraised, their heroic actions being seen as especially relevant at this point in time
Anyone planning to buy a Trump mask this year could face disappointment as they are selling out across Israel. But before the news goes to Trump’s head, he should know who’s set to outsell him next year
This year's Purim casting is a bit sticky, imperfect and Oedipal, but some of the alignments are too perfect to ignore.
The heroes of Purim stood proudly as Jews. They worked with the non-Jews around them, especially those in power, and together they defeated those who conspired against them.
An international law expert draws on current events, fake news and Iran in a bid to put to rest the eternal latke-hamantaschen debate once and for all.
This traditional filling is tasty in more than just hamantaschen: Try these recipes for poppy seed-apple cake, or poppy seed-chocolate rugelach.
Hamantaschen filled with eggplant, cheeses and herbs make a wonderful Purim appetizer.
Kids and adults, citizens and asylum-seekers, dress up and take to the streets to celebrate the salvation of Jews in ancient Persia from a plot to kill them.
One supporter of the soldier has even launched an Elor Azaria Purim costume contest.
The president’s daughter shows that she’ll stand up to the White House only when her father threatens to harm her brand.
'Powder Purim' marked the marvel of how Rabbi Abraham Danzig and his family survived the blast that killed 31.
The custom of giving 'mishloah manot' makes Purim a good time to consider our obligation as Jews to specifically help others – but not just any others.
Following Brussels attacks, U.S. Embassy warned Americans living in Israel against traveling to Europe, apparently forgetting that vigilance is a language we learned with Hebrew.
Serve this vegetarian dish as part of your Purim meal, or anytime.
Orthodox sponsors balked at pluralistic holiday event with Conservative group featuring women reading from the Book of Esther; city-run community center obliges.
Palestinians barred from entering Israeli territory as security measure; 77,000 legal Palestinian workers from West Bank to be affected.