Purim Customs

Megillah, Seudah, Mishloach Manot, Matanot La'Evyonim, Hamantashen, Tachbosot, Adloyada, Shpiel.... Funny words for a fun celebration! Read about Purim customs below.

Reading the Megillah

On Purim, it is a mitzvah (commandment) to hear Megillat Esther (The Book of Esther)--which is referred to simply as the Megillah (scroll)--read out loud. The Megillah tells the story of Purim, a tale of a princess, a villain, and a hero which Disney could turn into a blockbuster movie.

There is a special atmosphere in the synagogue during the Megillah reading. Children and sometimes adults arrive in costumes. Some costumes are traditional Mordechai and Esther disguises, and some are the more modern Spiderman and Harry Potter costumes. Anything goes on Purim.

Everyone brings noise makers which they shake whenever "Haman", the villain in the Purim story, is mentioned during the reading. Another custom was to write Haman's name on one's shoe soles and to stamp one's feet until the oppressor's name was erased. The custom of making a noise when Haman's name is mentioned is very ancient and widespread.

Purim Food Customs

It is a mitzvah to eat Seudat Purim (a festive meal) on Purim day. Often Purim songs are sung during this meal. There is even a commandment to drink to intoxication, until we no longer know whether we are blessing Mordechai or cursing Haman.

Another Purim custom related to food is Mishloach Manot or Shlach Manos (sending of portions - food baskets). Part of the Purim atmosphere is seeing children and adults, in costume, walking through the neighborhood giving baskets and plates filled with hamantashan and other goodies to family, friends, and neighbors.

At the festive meal, and during the rest of the day, we eat hamantashen (Haman's ears). Kreplach is another food often eaten at the festive meal.

• How to Make Easy-Bake Hamantashen
How to Send Purim Baskets

Matanot LaEvyonim

Matanot LaEvyonim is Hebrew for "gifts to the poor." On Purim, every Jew is required to give a minimum of two gifts to two people in need. The gifts should be food or money. Often synagogues join together on Purim to raise money to give to the needy.

Costumes and Carnivals

The most popular way to celebrate Purim is to dress up in costumes. The costumes mark the reversal of fate and the fact that Esther concealed her origins.

Purim Plays, called Purim Shpiels, are also prevalent as a way to increase our joy on the holiday. In Israel, street parades, called Adloyada (which means "until we can't tell" (the difference between cursing Haman and blessing Mordechai), have become popular on Purim. Carnivals and parties are also common ways to celebrate Purim.