Purim is celebrated with a public reading of the Scroll of Esther (Megillat Esther), which tells the story of the holiday. Under the rule of King Ahashverosh, Haman, the king’s prime minister, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of Persia from destruction. The reading of the megillah typically is a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman’s name is read aloud.
Purim is an unusual holiday in many respects. First, Esther is the only biblical book in which God is not mentioned. Second, Purim, like Chanukah, traditionally is viewed as a minor festival, but elevated to a major holiday as a result of the Jewish historical experience. Over the centuries, Haman became the embodiment of every anti-Semite in every land where Jews were oppressed. The significance of Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become: a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival against all odds.
Celebrate Purim with TDD!
Friday, March 11, 2022
6:00 PM: Totally Rad 80’s Purim Spiel & Shabbat Service
Register at dordorim.org/Shabbat-Registration
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Sunday, March 13, 2022
11:00 AM: Purim Carnival
Fun for All Ages
More details and registration at: dordorim.org/PurimCarnival
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
7:00 PM: Megillah on the Rocks
RSVP by 3/9 to Faye Kotler at FKotler@templedordorim.org
