UJEB | United Jewish Education Board

Purim with UJEB

This is an exert from the Purim Assembly held at some of the UJEB Schools. 

Purim is the most festive Jewish holiday. It is also called the Feast of Lots/Raffles. The holiday usually falls in late February or early March.

The holiday celebrates a time, more than 2000 years ago, when Queen Esther, a brave and smart Jewish Queen married to the King of Persia (today’s Iran) saved the Jewish people

The King’s adviser, Haman, plotted to harm the Persian Jews. To choose a day, Haman drew lots (which means he picked a day by chance). But the Persian queen, Esther, convinced the king to stop Haman. This story is told in the Book of Esther in the Bible

On Purim Jewish people from around the world, listen to a reading of the Book of Esther. Afterward family and friends have a festive meal.

The celebration often includes acting out the story, dressing up, and playing games. People exchange gifts of food and give to the poor. 

They also eat triangle cockies, called hamantaschen, which means “Haman’s pockets.” The cookies are supposed to resemble Haman’s three-cornered hat.

 It’s a fun holiday celebrating how courage, kindness, and faith can overcome even the toughest challenges.

Chag  Purim Sameach