Purim 2017 what is it

Purim begins at sunset on Saturday, March 11, and ends on Sunday evening, March The Background of Purim The story of the joyous holiday of Purim might appear somber at first glance: It tells of the near-destruction of the Jewish people as decreed by Haman , an adviser to the Persian King Ahashuerus.

Join Our Newsletter Empower your Jewish discovery, daily. Sign Up. Purim observances call for giving money to at least two less fortunate people and sending two kinds of food to at least one person. Congregants use noisemakers at synagogue services to celebrate.

Other traditions include dressing up and feasting. Dressing in costume is encouraged to enjoy the day fully. Celebrants also often partake in a festive Purim feast including wine and other celebratory beverages. The beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin , the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad.

Since this process took some time, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for 2 days to make sure that the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today. Note: Jewish holidays begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary.

If you find an error, please let us know. Thanksgiving Day in the United States is traditionally a holiday to give thanks for the food collected at the end of the harvest season. Robert E. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

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