Esther’s fast begins this Monday, March 6, on the occasion of the Purim holiday, which continues on Tuesday, March 7. But do you know the story of Queen Esther? Origin, meaning, disguises, Purim cakes and Mishta… Here are all the things you need to know about the Purim holiday.
The Purim holiday takes place this Tuesday, March 7, 2023, but it begins the day before, Monday March 6 with the esther’s fast. As every year, it is customary to prepare purim cakes which is then offered to loved ones. On this very festive Jewish holiday, both children and adults dress up. Practitioners also go to the synagogue to listen reading the Megillah, which tells the story of the Queen Esther having saved his people. Finally, a hearty meal is organized (the Michteh or Purim Feast), and donations are offered to those in need. History, traditions, meaning of Purim… Here is all the information you need to know about the Purim holiday.
What are the dates of Purim in 2023?
This year, the Purim holiday takes place from Monday March 6 to Tuesday March 7.. The day of March 6 is dedicated to the esther fast. In the Hebrew calendar, Purim takes place on 14e day of the Hebrew month of Adar.
What is Esther’s fast, why do we fast on Purim?
The Esther fast begins each year on the eve of Purim. This fast refers to the story of Queen Esther who asked her people to fast and pray when she revealed her identity to the king, asking him to save her people.
What are the times of Esther’s fast in France?
IEsther’s fast begins Monday, March 6 from dawn to dusk. Also, the schedules differ according to the cities.
- In ParisEsther’s fast begins at 5:50 a.m. and ends at 7:20 p.m.,
- in Marseilleit starts at 5:43 a.m. and ends at 7:08 p.m.
- Lyons : start of Esther’s fast at 5:43 a.m., end of fast at 7:10 p.m.
- Strasbourg : start of Esther’s fast at 5:29 a.m., end of fast at 6:58 p.m.
What is the origin of Purim?
Purim dates back to IVe century BC at the time of the Persian Empire. It is a Jewish holiday of biblical origin that echoes the story of Esther who saved her people.
What is the story of Purim, who is Queen Esther?
The story of Purim refers to Esther, a Jewish woman chosen as his wife by King Ahasuerus, who held a beauty pageant after killing his wife Vashti, who had disobeyed him. Without revealing its origin, Esther then became queenwheras’Haman is appointed Prime Minister of the Empire. But the latter claims from the king the extermination of his peoplefollowing the refusal of Mordechai (Esther’s cousin and leader of the Jews), to bow down to him. A decree is even published to implement its decision.
Faced with this threat, Mordechai convinces his people to repent and fast for a whole day. During this time, Esther throws a feast, where she invites the king and Haman hoping to be listened to. She then reveals to them that she is of the Jewish religion and reveals the plot organized by Haman against his people. He is finally hanged and Esther and her family celebrate this reversal of the situation, like a miracle.
What are Purim cakes?
On the occasion of Purim and according to customs and traditions, various cakes: with white icingof the Montecaosof the cigars and makrouds with honey or dates, shortbread with strawberry jam and icing sugar, For crunchy almondscoconut balls, without forgetting the cakes called “ears of Aman”. You can also prepare moon crescents, sesame pancakesor even Cornes From Gazelle. All the oriental pastries are welcome, all in a pretty basket, a pretty box, which we offer to family and loved ones.
How do we celebrate Purim?
- Listen to the Megillah. Every year it is customary tolisten to the reading of the Book of Esther (called the Megillah of Esther) to remember the story of Purim.
- Donations to the poor. According to tradition, it is also customary to donate to people in needto those in need (at least two people).
- A Purim feast. This feast also refers to the feast held by Esther with the king. Also, a hearty meal is organized with the family (especially to break Esther’s fast which takes place during the day).
- The Michloah Manot. On Purim, it is customary to offer cakes as gifts to loved ones, family or friends, this is called “Michloah Manot”.
- Purim costumes. Children and even adults dress up for the Purim holiday.
Why do we dress up on Purim?
Still referring to the story of Purim, it is customary to dress up because Queen Esther had to protect herself and preserve her peoplehiding one’s own identity. And even if the history of Purim seems somewhat difficult to approach for the little ones, this holiday has become over the years and through the generations, a very festive celebration.
What costumes to choose?
All costumes are welcome, in first position of course, parents and children opt for disguises of queen esther, with a beautiful dress, and a royal toilet, a crown… Or a king suit for the boys. Why not opt for a disguise of the snow queen Or Disney Princesses? The suits of cowboys, animals, superheroesor even firefighters or policemen, clowns and cartoon characters are acclaimed by young and old every year, but leave room for imagination and creativity. Parents also don’t hesitate to create their children’s costumes and make them up, a bit like for Mardi Gras or Carnival.
What is the meaning of Purim?
In ancient Persian, thehe term “For” refers to chance, to fate. Indeed, the decree that Haman applied to annihilate the people of Esther was fixed randomly on the 13the day of the twelfth month, i.e. the month of Adar. Purim is therefore also called “Feast of Spells”.
Finally, if you want to wish a happy Purim holiday to those around you, you should say “Purim Sameah” or “Hag Sameah”.