How do Jewish people celebrate Purim?

Answer 1

Purim is the most festive of all the Jewish holidays. It occurs on the 14th and 15th days of Adar.

Purim is like Mardi Gras for the Jews. Children and adults dress up in costumes, give baskets of food and drink alcohol (depending on local law) .

The Book of Esther is read in the synagogue, and each time the villain Haman's name is mentioned, children use noisemakers to "drown out" the name.

On the Sunday before Purim, many congregations hold a carnival as well. Adult "Persian" masquerade parties are also becoming increasingly popular.

You are supposed to drink enough to not tell the difference between Blessed be Mordecai and Cursed be Haman. Mordecai and Haman are two character in the Book of Esther which we read on Prum.

Answer 2

On Purim, the Jewish people generally do 4 things.

1) They read the Megillah, the Book of Esther, at night and in the morning of the holiday.

2) Each Jew gives enough money for a Purim feast to two Jews who could otherwise not afford it.

3) Each Jew gives at least two cooked foods to his friend for the sake of the feast.

4) Jews who can physically handle it get drunk at the feast.

Purim marks the closest point to national destruction that the Jewish people have ever reached in their history. If not for the miracles as described in the Book of Esther (which, by the way, Luther wanted to excise from The Bible because he said it wasn't "spiritual" enough, but the real reason is that he was an anti Semite) the Jewish people would have been destroyed by Haman. God, working through history, saved his nation.

The Jews get drunk as a response of burning anger to those who would destroy them. The holiday is very similar to Yom Kippur, despite the latter's solemnity. For more on the spiritual meaning of the holiday and its customs, and its relation to Yom Kippur, read the related links.

Answer 3

There are a number of observances. The prayers are like the regular weekday prayers; with the addition of a Torah reading (the latter half of Exodus ch. 17 is read), and the Al HaNisim paragraph which is added to the silent prayer as well as to the grace (blessing) after the meal.

During Purim, the Megillah (the Book of Esther) is read publicly, once in the night and once in the morning services.

After the morning services, charity is given during the course of the day (each person gives to at least two poor people), gifts of foods are sent to one's friends, and a festive meal is held, during which wine should be partaken of.

Answer 4

Hanukkah:

potato pancakes or (in Israel) jelly donuts.

Purim:

Hamentaschen (a triangular-folded cookie with poppy seed or other filling).

See also:

More about Hanukkah

Answer 5

There is no traditional meal, but it is popular to eat Hamantaschen, which are triangular cookies, similar to bite-sized pies.

Hamantaschen are also called Oznei Haman (haman's ears)

Answer 6

Some traditional items eaten during the holiday of Purim are fruits, nuts, and a cookie called 'haman tashen' or 'oznei haman'.

Answer 7

Hamentashen (triangular cookies that are almost like minature pies). Alcohol is also very common.

Answer 8

Read the Book of Esther

Hold a festive meal with wine

Give gifts of food

Give gifts of charity

Dress in costumes (mostly the children)

Answer 9

Hamantaschen