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UNDERSTANDING PURIM
One of the most amazing and persistent maladies of the human race is that seemingly inherent tendency to hate and plot against
the Jewish people. It is as old as the covenants themselves, showing its ugly head in virtually every civilization both ancient and
modern. It has appeared in countless Hamans, Herods, and Hitlers who have marched across the stage of human history.
Many are the nations who have found themselves on God's rubbish heap because they persecuted Israel. One of the first of
these protagonists was the ancient nation of Amalek, who oppressed Israel mercilessly on the latter's journey through the wilderness.
The Lord instructed Moses that once the people were settled in the land they were to blot out the memory of Amalek from under
heaven (Deut.25:19). In other words, they were to totally destroy that evil nation.
In later years King Saul was given this task, but because of his disobedience, Amalek survived. In fact, it happened to be an
Amalekite who later took Saul's life (2 Sam. 1:6-10). And sadly, the seed of Amalek seems to have survived even to this day, seething
in its hatred toward the covenant people and constantly stirring world opinion against Israel.
Hundreds of years after King Saul's disobedience, there was yet another Amalekite who arose to oppress the Jews of Persia.
His name was Haman. This infamous man came to power in the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes). Haman perhaps was the first
person to come up with the idea of a "final solution" for the Jewish people. His rage was not only directed against the Jew Mordecai,
who had refused to bow to him, but against all Mordecai's people, the Jews throughout Ahasuerus' kingdom, from India to Ethiopia
(Esther 3:6). This of course included all the Jews living in Israel at that time.
Evil Haman's rage knew no bounds. A gallows 75 feet tall was built for Mordecai and an edict of annihilation was issued
against the Jews throughout the whole empire. Haman cast lots (purim) to determine the exact date of this proposed extermination.
Haman's plan might have been successful had it not been for a young Jewish girl named Hadassah, who herself had been
elevated to become Queen of this same vast empire. Hadassah, known as Queen Esther, at the risk of her own life, approached the
king and skillfully put an end to Haman's plot. This madman was then hung on his own gallows and the awful edict was overcome.
When this happened a day of joyous celebration erupted throughout the empire. The Jews near and far were exhorted by Mordecai to
celebrate annually the14th and 15th days of the month of Adar in remembrance of their great deliverance (Esther 9:21).
PURIM TODAY
So today in Israel and throughout the Diaspora, Purim is still celebrated just as Mordecai instructed. In Jerusalem and all walled
cities, 'Shushan Purim' is celebrated on the 15th of Adar, while in Tel Aviv and other un-walled cities the holiday is celebrated on the
14th of Adar. Throughout the centuries of their oppression, this holiday has served as a sort of release for Jewish tensions and
anxieties. It is a time when the Jewish people "let their hair down" so to speak, and celebrate their deliverance with all their might.
Purim is like a strange combination of Mardi Gras and perhaps New Years Eve rolled into one. In Israel the streets are filled
with merrymakers and virtually all the children are in costume of some sort. There are little Queen Esthers and Mordecais on almost
every street in downtown Jerusalem. There are even a few Evil Hamans running around, usually being booed and mocked by the
crowds. Of course, the costume ideas are by no means limited to the themes of Esther. There are also clowns, spacemen, cowboys,
and many other outlandish creations of those young Israeli minds.
Above the roar of the crowds one can almost hear the laughter of God himself, as if God were laughing at Haman and his
brood. Scripture does say: "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and
terrifies them in his wrath…" (Psa. 2:4). Yes, the Lord actually laughs at Haman and the host of other men and nations who have
dared stand against his own beloved covenant people.
SOME PURIM CUSTOMS
In accordance with the tradition of not leaving any joy or sorrow unadulterated, the day before Purim is a fast day. It is
reminiscent of the fast mentioned in Esther 4:15, and is actually called the Fast of Esther. This one is different from other fasts and
holidays in Israel, in that it begins at sunrise rather than on the previous evening.
The main feature of the Purim celebration is the reading of the megillah (scroll) of Esther. Because Esther is the only book in
the Bible where the name of God is not mentioned, great liberties are taken with the reading, and with the whole celebration for that
matter. In contrast to other synagogue services, the Purim service is conducted in an almost frivolous manner.
Since evil Haman was of Amalekite origin, and it is a command of God to blot out the memory of Amalek, great care is given
by everyone, to drown out the name of Haman (boo!) as the scroll is read. The hearers yell, stamp their feet and make noises with
special instruments called graggers. However, great attention is paid to the reading of the scroll, and the reader may not proceed until
the noise has subsided.
The Purim celebration is known for its plays and parodies. In Israel there are also parties and parades. It is a time of festive
celebration. One special food eaten during this celebration is called hamantashen or Haman's ears. These are tri-cornered dough
cookies filled with poppy seed or jam.
Traditionally, in the afternoon, there are Purim feasts where friends and relatives come together and celebrate. In accordance
with the admonition of Esther 9:22, food is also sent to the poor on this day.
While Purim is a joyous holiday there is always that bit of anticipation and wondering when the next Haman will step onto the
stage of human history.
- Jim Gerrish
This updated article is presented courtesy of Bridges For Peace, Jerusalem. Original publication date, 1990.
Picture Credit, Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Yoninah, March 2006 (Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 license).
HOME
MAILBOX-
SEND US
YOUR QUESTIONS
AND COMMENTS
UNDERSTANDING PURIM
One of the most amazing and persistent maladies of the human race is that seemingly inherent tendency to hate and plot against
the Jewish people. It is as old as the covenants themselves, showing its ugly head in virtually every civilization both ancient and
modern. It has appeared in countless Hamans, Herods, and Hitlers who have marched across the stage of human history.
Many are the nations who have found themselves on God's rubbish heap because they persecuted Israel. One of the first of
these protagonists was the ancient nation of Amalek, who oppressed Israel mercilessly on the latter's journey through the wilderness.
The Lord instructed Moses that once the people were settled in the land they were to blot out the memory of Amalek from under
heaven (Deut.25:19). In other words, they were to totally destroy that evil nation.
In later years King Saul was given this task, but because of his disobedience, Amalek survived. In fact, it happened to be an
Amalekite who later took Saul's life (2 Sam. 1:6-10). And sadly, the seed of Amalek seems to have survived even to this day, seething
in its hatred toward the covenant people and constantly stirring world opinion against Israel.
Hundreds of years after King Saul's disobedience, there was yet another Amalekite who arose to oppress the Jews of Persia.
His name was Haman. This infamous man came to power in the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes). Haman perhaps was the first
person to come up with the idea of a "final solution" for the Jewish people. His rage was not only directed against the Jew Mordecai,
who had refused to bow to him, but against all Mordecai's people, the Jews throughout Ahasuerus' kingdom, from India to Ethiopia
(Esther 3:6). This of course included all the Jews living in Israel at that time.
Evil Haman's rage knew no bounds. A gallows 75 feet tall was built for Mordecai and an edict of annihilation was issued
against the Jews throughout the whole empire. Haman cast lots (purim) to determine the exact date of this proposed extermination.
Haman's plan might have been successful had it not been for a young Jewish girl named Hadassah, who herself had been
elevated to become Queen of this same vast empire. Hadassah, known as Queen Esther, at the risk of her own life, approached the
king and skillfully put an end to Haman's plot. This madman was then hung on his own gallows and the awful edict was overcome.
When this happened a day of joyous celebration erupted throughout the empire. The Jews near and far were exhorted by Mordecai to
celebrate annually the14th and 15th days of the month of Adar in remembrance of their great deliverance (Esther 9:21).
PURIM TODAY
So today in Israel and throughout the Diaspora, Purim is still celebrated just as Mordecai instructed. In Jerusalem and all walled
cities, 'Shushan Purim' is celebrated on the 15th of Adar, while in Tel Aviv and other un-walled cities the holiday is celebrated on the
14th of Adar. Throughout the centuries of their oppression, this holiday has served as a sort of release for Jewish tensions and
anxieties. It is a time when the Jewish people "let their hair down" so to speak, and celebrate their deliverance with all their might.
Purim is like a strange combination of Mardi Gras and perhaps New Years Eve rolled into one. In Israel the streets are filled
with merrymakers and virtually all the children are in costume of some sort. There are little Queen Esthers and Mordecais on almost
every street in downtown Jerusalem. There are even a few Evil Hamans running around, usually being booed and mocked by the
crowds. Of course, the costume ideas are by no means limited to the themes of Esther. There are also clowns, spacemen, cowboys,
and many other outlandish creations of those young Israeli minds.
Above the roar of the crowds one can almost hear the laughter of God himself, as if God were laughing at Haman and his
brood. Scripture does say: "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and
terrifies them in his wrath…" (Psa. 2:4). Yes, the Lord actually laughs at Haman and the host of other men and nations who have
dared stand against his own beloved covenant people.
SOME PURIM CUSTOMS
In accordance with the tradition of not leaving any joy or sorrow unadulterated, the day before Purim is a fast day. It is
reminiscent of the fast mentioned in Esther 4:15, and is actually called the Fast of Esther. This one is different from other fasts and
holidays in Israel, in that it begins at sunrise rather than on the previous evening.
The main feature of the Purim celebration is the reading of the megillah (scroll) of Esther. Because Esther is the only book in
the Bible where the name of God is not mentioned, great liberties are taken with the reading, and with the whole celebration for that
matter. In contrast to other synagogue services, the Purim service is conducted in an almost frivolous manner.
Since evil Haman was of Amalekite origin, and it is a command of God to blot out the memory of Amalek, great care is given
by everyone, to drown out the name of Haman (boo!) as the scroll is read. The hearers yell, stamp their feet and make noises with
special instruments called graggers. However, great attention is paid to the reading of the scroll, and the reader may not proceed until
the noise has subsided.
The Purim celebration is known for its plays and parodies. In Israel there are also parties and parades. It is a time of festive
celebration. One special food eaten during this celebration is called hamantashen or Haman's ears. These are tri-cornered dough
cookies filled with poppy seed or jam.
Traditionally, in the afternoon, there are Purim feasts where friends and relatives come together and celebrate. In accordance
with the admonition of Esther 9:22, food is also sent to the poor on this day.
While Purim is a joyous holiday there is always that bit of anticipation and wondering when the next Haman will step onto the
stage of human history.
- Jim Gerrish
This updated article is presented courtesy of Bridges For Peace, Jerusalem. Original publication date, 1990.
Picture Credit, Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Yoninah, March 2006 (Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 license).
