Purim: March 13-14, 2006

I was reading about Purim in this month's Family Fun magazine. I hadn't heard of it before, but it sounds like a great festival, celebrating one of my favorite people in the Old Testament: Queen Esther. Purim is a festival celebrated by Jews all over the world and filled with parties, costumes and feasting.

The holiday celebrates the biblical story of Queen Esther of Persia, who saved the Jewish people from destruction by foiling the evil plans of Haman, an advisor to the king. Whenever Haman's name is mentioned during Purim festivities, kids stomp their feet and shake their groggers, or rattles, to blot out his name. For more indepth information, I have provided some links below.

Purim on the Net: Background, audio readings, costumes, crafts and more

Judaism 101: Purim: Information on this festive holiday

Purim: The Festival of Lots: More information and fun stuff