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The miracle of Purim is described in the Book of Esther. It's a fascinating story in which the evil Amalekite Haman, devised a scheme to annihilate the Jews on one day, the 14th day of Adar.

The story describes how the Jews were saved by the intervention of Queen Esther, herself a Jew, who had 'coincidentally' become the queen. The many coincidences and turns to the plot is viewed as G-d's hidden hand throughout the story.

In the end, the tables were turned and the Jews defended themselves and defeated the enemy. Thus, the 14th day of Adar became a holiday celebration each year and is commemorated by the reading of the Book of Esther in the synagogue, sending meals to one another, giving charity, and a festive meal.

A real question could be asked as to whether a true "miracle" occurred or whether one had to be read into the story in order to justify its inclusion or canonization as scripture.

the text itself undermines the idea that any miracle would occur, particularly if we define miracle as something that could not be foreseen. Mordechai's "positive fatalism" assures that the Jews will be saved -

אֶסְתֵּר ד

יד כִּי אִם-הַחֲרֵשׁ תַּחֲרִישִׁי, בָּעֵת הַזֹּאת--רֶוַח וְהַצָּלָה יַעֲמוֹד לַיְּהוּדִים מִמָּקוֹם אַחֵר, וְאַתְּ וּבֵית-אָבִיךְ תֹּאבֵדוּ; וּמִי יוֹדֵעַ--אִם-לְעֵת כָּזֹאת, הִגַּעַתְּ לַמַּלְכוּת.

14 For if thou altogether holds thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father's house will perish; and who knows whether thou art not come to royal estate for such a time as this?'

Rabbinic interpretation had to read a miracle into the Megillah in order to justify its place in holy scripture; however, that interpretation of what was a folk story that was too popular to omit, leaves more questions than answers. It may have tainted the Jewish conception of miracle.

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What Jewish holiday is celebrated on the 14th of the Hebrew month of adar?

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What is the Hebrew name for Purim?

"Purim" (פורים) is the Hebrew name for Purim.


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Judaism.See also:The origins of Purim


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Purim was on Sunday, March 9, 1879 (Shushan Purim was on Monday March 10)


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Oh, dude, Shushan Purim is like the afterparty for Purim, but in the ancient city of Shushan. It's when the peeps in walled cities celebrate Purim a day later because they were too busy defending their walls on the regular Purim day. So, it's like Purim, but fashionably late.


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Purim was on March 21 in 2008.


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Celebración judía, Purim


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Purim is part of Judaism. Hassidim keep Purim just like other Jews.


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