We are celebrating Erev Purim on March 13. Purim Day is calculated based on the Hebrew calendar. It usually falls on the 14th day of the month of Adar. Since it is based on the Hebrew calendar, the dates usually differ in the Gregorian calendar every year. It is a day of celebration to commemorate the victory of the Jewish people over their enemies. The festival is based on the stories from the biblical “Book of Esther.” The word ‘Purim’ translates to ‘Feast of lots.’ The Jewish people were marked for death by the Persian emperor, Ahasuerus.
History of Erev Purim
Purim is a festival based on the stories from the “Book of Esther.” The historical accuracy of the book is debatable, but it depicts a story that can inspire people. According to the book, King Ahasuerus was the ruler of the Persian Empire, which spanned from India to Egypt. Queen Vasthi was the original queen of the king. But the king decided to take another wife when Vashti disobeyed him. So he created a beauty pageant to find a new wife. Esther entered the tournament without revealing her Jewish heritage and won the king’s heart.
Esther’s cousin, Mordechai, was the leader of the Jewish people, and Haman was an anti-Semitic man who became the prime minister. Mordechai refused the king’s command to bow to Hamam, and this caused friction between the two. Hamam convinced the king to kill off all the Jews on the 13th day of the month of Adar. When Mordechai learned about the execution command, he immediately contacted Esther to help convince the King. Esther was successful in persuading the king, and she even managed to have the prime minister executed. Mordechai was installed as the new prime minister and the decree of Hamam was removed. Esther issued a royal decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against anyone trying to attack them.
On the 13th day of Adar, the Jews were able to destroy their attackers and celebrate their victory on the 14th day of Adar. The celebration is one of the most important Jewish festivals.
Erev Purim timeline
With his new religious teachings, the priest Zarathustra reforms Persian polytheism.
Abraham establishes Judaism in what is now Israel and the Palestinian territories.
"The Book of Esther" is finished during this period.
Due to war, internal conflicts, mismanagement, and the conquest by Alexander the Great, the Persian Empire is reduced to nothing.
Erev Purim FAQs
What time does Purim start?
Purim is celebrated at around sunset on the 15th day of the month of Adar. The day is also known as Shushan Purim.
Why is Purim so important?
Because Purim celebrates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish queen called Esther. Purim is also one of the most entertaining Jewish holidays.
What is the day before Purim called?
The day before Purim is a day for fasting. It’s called the Fast of Esther and lasts from sunrise to sunset.
Erev Purim Activities
Exchange Purim baskets
Arrange an event with your friends and neighbors. Create and exchange Purim baskets with your friends during the event.
Donate to needy people
Erev Purim is a celebration of unity and community. Help as many people as possible during this day.
Recount the story of Esther
Jewish custom requires people to go to synagogues and organize prayers. If you are not Jewish, try to buy the "Book of Esther" and recount the story of the Jewish victory.
5 Facts About Judaism You Didn’t Know
The oldest among three
Judaism is the oldest Abrahamic religion among Christianity and Islam.
Not all animals are food
Judaism does not allow consuming animals that do not have split hooves and do not chew their cud.
One God for all
There is only one God in Judaism with various names.
Israel and Jews
Israel is the only Jewish majority country with a Jewish population of 6.8 million.
Born as a Jew
If your mother is Jewish, then you will also be considered Jewish.
Why We Love Erev Purim
It’s a celebration of Jewish victory
Jewish people are one of the most persecuted groups of people in the world. It is a thrilling sight to see them rise through all the odds and succeed.
Judaism is rich in culture and history
Purim Day is a day to showcase the old history and vibrant culture of Judaism. The grand celebration of the day is proof of that.
It promotes social connections
Purim eve brings people together. We love when there is a gathering of wonderful people for a social or cultural event.
Erev Purim dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | March 17 | Thursday |
2023 | March 6 | Monday |
2024 | March 23 | Saturday |
2025 | March 13 | Thursday |
2026 | March 2 | Monday |