What is purim day

Another tradition mandated by the story is charity, either in the form of a present or a donation. Another biblical commandment and mitzvah on Purim is actually the retelling of, and listening to, the story itself. Many people will go to services to hear a reading of the story on Purim.

But since medieval times, a new tradition has risen to popularity: telling the story in the form of a play, farce or skit, Krasner says. People dress up as the characters from the story or dress up as pop culture figures to parody the story of Purim. As with many religious holidays from all corners of the world, Purim is marked with a festival meal with friends, family and the community. The feast of Purim, held in the afternoon of the holiday, is mandated in the story, too, Krasner says.

Though many Jewish holidays are observed with similar meals, the Purim feast has a different feeling, Krasner says. For most major Jewish holidays, aside from Hanukkah , the meal begins with blessings over candles and wine. After all, the plot of the Scroll of Esther itself hinges greatly on community.

The cookies are shaped in their triangular way to commemorate the hat that Haman wore, according to tradition. That tradition is quite ancient, Krasner says. Of course, using poppyseeds is certainly not the only way to fill a hamentaschen cookie — chocolate, Nutella, apricot jam — the options are endless.

The New York Times even ran a savory caramelized onion recipe of the Purim cookies this week. How is Purim celebrated?

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When is Purim ? By Jaymi McCann. February 25, pm Updated pm. But how will it be marked this year? The freshest exclusives and sharpest analysis, curated for your inbox Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing!