Purim, which falls on March 23-24 this year, is a festive holiday that’s celebrated with a rowdy public reading of the Book of Esther, dressing in costume, eating delicious hamantaschen cookies, having festive parties, and more.
Purim is celebrated with a public reading—usually in the synagogue—of the Book of Esther (Megillat Esther), which tells the story of the holiday. Under the rule of King Ahashverosh, Haman, the king’s prime minister, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of Persia from destruction. The reading of the megillah typically is a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman’s name is read aloud.
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PASSOVER
The Seder, which means “order” in Hebrew, is a lively tradition based on the Biblical verse commanding Jews to retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Families and friends gather to celebrate with special blessings, songs and rituals. Seder customs include drinking four cups of wine and eating matzo and other symbolic foods placed on the Passover Seder Plate. Jews perform the Seder in much the same way all over the world. You can read more about Passover traditions here.