History
Purim began 2,500 years ago, when the Jewish situation seemed bleak and hopeless. Jerusalem’s Holy Temple was destroyed, the Jews were exiled to Babylon and then to Persia, and the Land of Israel lay in ruin.

Dispersed throughout Persia (today's Iraq and Iran), many Jews lost faith in the Torah’s prophecies predicting their eventual Redemption and return. Instead of taking pride in their Jewish heritage and destiny, they became impressed by alien lifestyles, palaces and parties.

Purim's main characters:
Haman and Ahasuerus
Persia’s Prime Minister, the Jew-hating Haman schemed to annihilate all the Jews, and obtained King Ahasuerus’ approval for his plan.

Mordechai and Esther
Mordechai rallied the Jews to return to Mitzvah observance, and urged Esther to plead with the king to save her people. Queen Esther proclaimed a communal fast, and then went to the palace to invite the king to a party.

That night, as the King read his memoirs, the pages turned to a forgotten episode when Mordechai once saved the king from two courtiers who tried to poison him. The King immediately ordered Haman to honor Mordechai by parading him on a Royal horse throughout the Capital.

Queen Esther pointed out Haman as the villain, and King Ahasuerus ordered Haman hung on the same gallows he had prepared for Mordechai.

The Jews rallied against their enemies on Adar 13, the very day chosen by Haman to execute his "final solution" and "The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, joy and exultation!"

Purim Highlights
We hear the Megillah Scroll of Esther on Monday night, March 13, and on Tuesday Match 14, during the day.

We listen carefully to every word, and twirl "gragger" noisemakers when Haman is mentioned.

In Those Days, In Our Time
The Talmud states: “A person who reads the Megillah 'backwards' (in the wrong sequence) did not fulfill his obligation."

The Chassidic master Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov explains that this teaches us not to read the Megillah 'backwards,' as passé, for Purim is relevant and current to this very day; not just about our ancestors in the past, but is also our story in the present.

We send each other food gifts, at least 2 kinds of ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend, through a third person, on Tuesday March 14. Men give to men, and women to women. Children, too, exchange Mishloach Manos. Three cornered Hamantash pastries filled with poppy seeds, prune, apricot or other jams are a favorite.

It is customary to masquerade and costume, as we 'rejoice on Purim until we don't know the difference between Haman and Mordechai.'

Gifts to the Poor
The Mitzvah of Charity has added significance on Purim. We give to at least two poor persons. If we can’t deliver the contribution personally to the poor, the money is placed in a Pushka charity box for later distribution.

The Purim Feast
We eat a festive meal on Purim Day, and toast a joyous L'chaim!

The Fast of Esther
Recalling the fast before the Jews fought for victory, we fast on Monday March 13. The fast begins 72 minutes before sunrise until 40 minutes after sunset.

The Half Shekel
In Jerusalem's Holy Temple, every person contributed a "half shekel" coin to participate in the services. It is customary today to contribute a half shekel equivalent (3 half-dollar coins) to charity.

Special Prayers
On Purim, we recite the "Al Hanissim" thanks to G-d for His deliverance in our prayers and Birkat Hamazon Grace after meals.

During the synagogue morning service, we read about the war with Amalek from the Torah Scroll before hearing the Megillah.