Nowadays, Purim festivities are much more common, and it’s a
fantastic holiday to celebrate with kids as it is considered to
be one of the most fun-filled days on the Jewish calendar. This
year, Purim is “early” and begins at sundown on Saturday,
February 23, and continues until sundown on Sunday, February 24.
For those who are not familiar with this holiday, Purim
commemorates the story of the heroic Esther, who was was able
though her courage and devotion to Judaism to bring down Haman
and his evil plans to destroy the Jewish people. On Purim, the
whole Megillah (Book of Esther) is read, and it is customary to
make a lot of noise and to drown-out the sound of Haman’s name
every time it is mentioned. In addition to the Megillah reading,
it is traditional on Purim to have festive meals and large
celebrations, and to come in costume to represent that Esther
also needed to hide her real identity. More observant Jewish
people will also give money to charity on Purim, and gifts of
food and drink to friends and ne