Prepare for an exciting celebration as Purim is approaching! This festive holiday on the Jewish calendar commemorates Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai’s brave rescue of the Jews from slaughter in the Persian Empire. Discover when Purim will take place in 2025 and learn all about the customs and traditions of this joyous occasion.
Purim in 2025 will begin on the evening of March 13 and end at sundown on March 14. It is a time of merriment, marked by feasts, costumes, and wine. Central to the festivities is the reading of The Megillah, also known as The Book of Esther. When Haman’s name is mentioned, it is customary to use noisemakers or stomp your feet to drown out his name. Other important aspects of Purim include giving to the poor and exchanging gifts of food with friends. The day culminates in a lavish feast that typically lasts until everyone is too full and tired to continue.
Purim does not fall on the same date every year due to differences between the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars. The holiday is observed on the 14th day of the month of Adar, with some regions celebrating on the 15th of Adar.
Traditional Purim foods include wine, Hamantaschen pastries, kreplach, blintzes, challah, and more. These dishes hold symbolic significance and add to the festive atmosphere of the celebration.
In 2025, Purim falls on a Thursday and Friday, making it an ideal time to partake in the festivities and even host a lively Purim party. Dress up in costumes, enjoy a delicious meal, and remember to read the Megillah and show kindness to others.
While Purim shares similarities with Halloween and Mardi Gras in terms of costumes and revelry, it has its unique cultural and religious significance. Embrace the spirit of Purim and make the most of this special occasion with your loved ones.
Purim was celebrated on Friday, February 26, 2021, and will next fall on Friday, March 14, 2025. The holiday is commemorated annually, and it is important to understand its history and significance. The story of Purim, as depicted in the Book of Esther, includes dark themes such as matricide, genocide, antisemitism, war, potential alcohol abuse, and abuse of power. When explaining Purim to children, it is advisable to provide a simplified version of the story until they are old enough to grasp its complexities without feeling scared. Here is a child-friendly summary of the Purim story: King Ahasuerus dismisses his disobedient wife and marries Esther, who is secretly Jewish. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, uncovers a plot against the king and informs the palace, leading to the prevention of harm. However, the newly appointed second-in-command, Haman, harbors anti-Jewish sentiments and convinces the king to issue a decree to exterminate all Jews. Esther bravely reveals her identity to the king, pleading for her people’s safety. Subsequently, a new decree allows Jews to defend themselves, leading to their salvation and Mordecai’s rise in power. Purim holds historical and biblical significance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and illustrating the importance of courage and faith in challenging times.
In the month of Adar, Mordecai and other Jews publicly mourn upon hearing the news. Mordecai, seeking help, asks Esther to intervene and stop the king’s plan to harm the Jewish people. Esther initially refuses due to fear but eventually agrees after Mordecai reminds her of her potential role in saving her people. She fasts and prays for three days before approaching the king. Meanwhile, she invites the king and Haman to feasts where she eventually reveals her Jewish background and pleads for her people. The king, upon learning of Mordecai’s past actions, honors him and allows the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. Ultimately, Haman is punished, and Mordecai is appointed as the king’s second-in-command.
