What Is Purim?
Purim, which takes place from Feb. 25–26 in 2021, is a holiday which celebrates the Jewish people being rescued from destruction in the First Persian Empire. This story is told in the Biblical Book of Esther.
According to the Book of Esther, King Ahasuerus (aka Xerxes I) of Persia had a royal vizier named Haman, who was enraged by a Jew named Mordecai who refused to bow down to him. He then convinced the king to set a date on which all the Jews of the empire would be killed. Esther, Mordecai’s cousin, who became queen after the king deposed his former queen, held a banquet with the king and Haman, revealed her Jewish heritage and told the king that Haman was trying to destroy her people. Enraged, the king executed Haman, issued a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves from their enemies, and made Mordecai his new vizier.
Although Gentiles are not commanded to observe Purim, it is permitted to observe the holiday in some ways, should they choose to do so. Here are some permitted ways for a Gentile to observe Purim:
- Read / listen to the Book of Esther on Purim (it’s a short book, only 10 chapters).
- Give charity to organizations that help the poor and needy.
- It is permitted to give gifts to friends, but not as a matter of religious observance.
- A special meal may be held with family / friends.
