Importance: High – It was commanded by Mordecai and the people of Israel bound themselves and “all those who joined them” to an oath to observe Purim perpetually.

Mood: Very festive, we’re talking serious partying here.

Background: This is one of the “people’s feasts.” It commemorates our victory over the wicked racist Haman who was thwarted by the beautiful Esther and her uncle Mordecai.

Practice: Purim’s four main mitzvot are:

1. public recitation of the Book of Esther (keriat ha-megilla),

2. giving mutual gifts of food and drink (9:22 misloach’ manot),

3. giving charity to the poor (9:22 mattanot la-evyonim),

4. and a celebratory meal (9:22 mishteh or se'udat Purim);

Other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration. While the Megilla (the book of Esther) is read, children (and the child-like) may hold Purim “graggers” (also referred to as ra’ashan or “noisemaker”) and make noise every time Haman’s name is mentioned (54 occurrences) in order to blot out the name of evil. During Purim, it is traditional to serve triangular pastries, called Hamantashen ("Haman's pockets") in Yiddish and Oznei Haman ("Haman's ears") in Modern Hebrew. A sweet cookie dough is rolled out, cut into circles, and traditionally filled with a sweet poppyseed filling, then wrapped up into a triangular shape with the filling either hidden or showing.

Biblical Support: Esther 9:17-27 especially v. 27 note “all who joined them”.