Purim is upon us, and like Chanukah, the holiday celebrates historical events that are best summed up by the Jewish adage: They tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat.
And eat we do. Commemorating Queen Esther’s victory over Haman’s plot to kill every Jew in Persia, Purim is a jolly and boisterous affair. In addition to an interactive reading of the Book of Esther, the 24-hour holiday, which begins on the night of February 25, is full of festive feasts, sweet treats, and the giving of Mishloach Manot — goodie bags filled with cookies, chocolates, and other dainty delights — to friends, family, and those in need.
Somewhere between a Jewish Mardi Gras and Halloween, on Purim you are encouraged to dress up in costume, often as one of the characters in the legendary tale or as your alter ego. Purim, which translates as “dice” or “casting lots,” got its name from Haman throwing dice to choose the day he would carry out his unsavory plans. For this reason, we eat sweets on Purim in a symbolic effort to sweeten our lots.