Purim Holiday Traditions

Purim holiday traditions are all about mischief, merriment and goodwill to men. Occurring in the middle of the Jewish month of Adar, the holiday of Purim is a sort of climax of a month of smiles and practical jokes. It is the Jewish way of saying that life may be tough but humor makes it easier. Purim holiday traditions also focus on good and evil, reminding the Jewish people that in the end the bad guy loses. But the best Purim holiday traditions are about fun and games.

Purim Costumes

The most wonderful Purim holiday tradition is similar to that of the Christian Halloween. On Purim everyone puts on costumes, not just the kids. All important community members put on amusing costumes to bring to life the spirit of mischief and fun inherent in this Jewish holiday of Purim. Jewish children who didn't get to dress up on Halloween can put on their costumes now and go to the synagogue for the reading of Megillat Esther (the biblical book of Esther read in the form of a rolled scroll).

Mishloach Manot

Of all Purim holiday traditions, Mishloach Manot (the sending of gifts) is the most rewarding. Initially, the tradition began when the wealthier Jews in a community would leave a gift on the doorstep of poorer families. But this Purim holiday tradition has grown. Like the practice of sharing Valentine's on Valentine's Day, Mishloach Manot is shared with special people in your life. At school, kids pull a name out of a hat and bring this person a Mishloach Manot filled with candy and Purim cookies (Hamentashen). Just imagine the Purim holiday traditions through the eyes of a child-you get to put on a costume and someone gives you a gift full of candy. Life can't get much better.

Matanot L'Evyonim

The Purim holiday tradition of giving alms to the poor is still maintained through the practice of Matanot L'Evyonim. Translated from Hebrew Matnot L'Evyonim means "Presents for the Poor". Though in modern times this Purim holiday tradition often takes the form of donating money at the synagogue or to worthy charities, the true Purim holiday tradition still calls for giving gifts to the needy in your community or on your street, and for doing so anonymously and in stealth. In short, by leaving Matanot L'Evyonim on the doorstep in the dead of night, you can spare the poor man the embarrassment of receiving alms he was too proud to ask for.

Purim Feast (Seudat Purim)

Like any holiday around the world, the Purim holiday tradition of feasting is well loved. Here is a time for families to gather in a spirit of playfulness and fun. Kids are in costumes, and often the adults are too. Mishloach Manot are shared and delicious Jewish foods are enjoyed. Then after the feast, the family goes to the synagogue to celebrate with the community.

Megilat Esther (the Scroll of the Biblical Book of Esther)

At the synagogue, after the Purim feast, an important Purim holiday tradition transpires. The beautiful large scroll with the story of Purim is brought out and read before the audience. It's a wonderful story of a young woman who saved her people by using wisdom and courage to softe

the heart of a foolish King. Queen Esther saved her people from the machinations of the villain, Haman. This wonderful Purim holiday feast reminds the Jewish people that evil does lose in the end, the good does win. And most amazing of all, in Megilat Esther-a biblical book-God is never mentioned. The victory was achieved by a girl.

Graggers (Purim Rattles)

Another Purim holiday tradition that kids just love has to do with making noise. That's right, on Purim kids are encouraged to make a racket. Each child is given a rattle, called a gragger. The graggers are spun or shaken to make a lot of noise each time Haman's name is mentioned during the reading of Megilat Esther. It is a Purim holiday tradition that allows everyone in the audience to take part in the story of Purim.

Hamantashen (Haman's Ears Cookies)

Though Purim holiday traditions regarding special foods are non-existent, in the spirit of a holiday of fun, there is one unique cookie baked only for Purim. It is a triangular cookie filled with jam or poppy seeds, and it is called Haman's Ears because of its funny shape. To celebrate the destruction of the evil Haman who plotted against the Jewish people living in Persia's dominions, Hamentashen cookies are eaten on Purim by young and old alike.

Purim Crafts and Fun for Kids

Purim holiday traditions that revolve around making the holiday fun for kids are especially important. You could say that this is the one holiday devised just for kids. Purim crafts, puzzles and games are all wonderful ways to bring the holiday home and make the celebration memorable. In Israel, there is no school on Purim, but kids still go to school to celebrate with games and Purim activities.

Purim Story Performance

Another Purim holiday tradition that evolved in modern days is similar to the reenactment of the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve. At Jewish centers and schools the dramatic story of Purim is acted on the stage for families and friends. Because it is so dramatic, so like a fairytale, the story of Esther is one that can be seen again and again.

Learn more about Jewish holidays-their names and customs. And for costume ideas, make duct tape costumes, make literary costumes, make erudite costumes.

Reference

Torah Tots: Purim