Purim

All Jewish holy days begin the previous day at sundown Purim is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, an Achaemenid Persian Empire official who was planning to kill all the Jews in the empire, as recounted in the Book of Esther (מגילת אסתר, "Megillat Ester" in Hebrew; usually dated to the 5th century BCE). Haman was the royal vizier to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I or Artaxerxes I of Persia, "Khshayarsha" and "Artakhsher" in Old Persian, respectively). His plans were foiled by Mordecai and Esther, his cousin and adopted daughter who had become Queen of Persia. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing. According to the Scroll of Esther, "they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor." Purim is celebrated among Jews by: Exchanging gifts of food and drink known as mishloach manotDonating charity to the poor known as mattanot la-evyonim Eating a celebratory meal known as a se'udat PurimPublic recitation ("reading of the megillah") of the Scroll of Esther, known as kriat ha-megillah, usually in synagogueReciting additions to the daily prayers and the grace after meals, known as Al HaNissim Other customs include wearing masks and costumes, public celebrations and parades (Adloyada), and eating hamantaschen ("Haman's pocket"); men are encouraged to drink wine or any other alcoholic beverage. According to the Hebrew calendar, Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (and it is celebrated on Adar II in Hebrew leap years which occur every two to three years), the day following the victory of the Jews over their enemies. In cities that were protected by a surrounding wall at the time of Joshua, Purim was celebrated on the 15th of the month of Adar on what is known as Shushan Purim, since fighting in the walled city of Shushan continued through the 14th day of Adar. Today, only Jerusalem and a few other cities celebrate Purim on the 15th of Adar.