Purim

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The festival of Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot "to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day."

The events of Purim extended over a period of several years, culminating in the victory celebrations of Adar 14-15 of 356 B.C.E.. Below is a timeline of the major events. For the detailed story, see the Book of Esther and The Story of Purim.

Yacov adds: Note that these dates are in Seder Olam years and don't correspond to actual Historical years.  It is estimated that the events described really happened around 486 BCE.

369 BCE- Achashveirosh ascends the throne of Persia.

366 BCE- Achashveirosh's 180-day feast; Queen Vashti executed.

Tevet, 362 BCE- Esther becomes Queen.

Nissan, 357 BCE- Haman casts lots to choose date for Jews' annihilation.    

Nissan 13, 357 BCE- Royal decree ordering killing of all Jews.

Nissan 14-16, 357 BCE- Mordechai calls on Jews to repent; 3-day fast ordered by Esther.

Nissan 16, 357 BCE- Esther goes to Achashveirosh; hosts 1st wine party with Achashveirosh and Haman.

Nissan 17, 357 BCE- Esther's 2nd wine party; Haman's downfall and hanging.

Sivan 23, 357 BCE- Second decree issued by Achashveirosh, empowering the Jews to defend themselves.     

Adar 13, 356 BCE- Battles fought throught the empire against those seeking to kill the Jews; Haman's ten sons killed.

Adar 14, 356 BCE- Purim celebrations everywhere, except Shushan where 2nd day of battles are fought.
        
Adar 15, 356 BCE- Purim celebration in Shushan.

355 BCE - Megillah written by Esther and Mordechai; Festival of Purim instituted for all generations.

Purim observances include:

a) Reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle.

b) Giving to the poor (gifts of money should be given to at least two poor people).

c) Sending gifts of food to friends (a minimum of two ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend).

d) The Purim feast.

e) Reciting the Al Hanissim prayer in The Amidah and Birkat HaMazon.

Customs include dressing up in disguising costumes and the traditional Purim food, the hamantash. For more detailed information, see links below.

When Purim falls on Friday -- as it does this year -- all of the above should be done before Shabbat begins, 18 minutes before sunset.

[RationalThought110]

The festival of Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot "to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day."

The events of Purim extended over a period of several years, culminating in the victory celebrations of Adar 14-15 of 356 B.C.E.. Below is a timeline of the major events. For the detailed story, see the Book of Esther and The Story of Purim.

Yacov adds: Note that these dates are in Seder Olam years and don't correspond to actual Historical years.  It is estimated that the events described really happened around 486 B.C.E..

369 B.C.E.- Achashveirosh ascends the throne of Persia.

366 B.C.E.- Achashveirosh's 180-day feast; Queen Vashti executed.

Tevet, 362 B.C.E.- Esther becomes Queen.

Nissan, 357 B.C.E.- Haman casts lots to choose date for Jews' annihilation.    

Nissan 13, 357 B.C.E.- Royal decree ordering killing of all Jews.

Nissan 14-16, 357 B.C.E.- Mordechai calls on Jews to repent; 3-day fast ordered by Esther.

Nissan 16, 357 B.C.E.- Esther goes to Achashveirosh; hosts 1st wine party with Achashveirosh and Haman.

Nissan 17, 357 B.C.E.- Esther's 2nd wine party; Haman's downfall and hanging.

Sivan 23, 357 B.C.E.- Second decree issued by Achashveirosh, empowering the Jews to defend themselves.     

Adar 13, 356 B.C.E.- Battles fought throught the empire against those seeking to kill the Jews; Haman's ten sons killed.

Adar 14, 356 B.C.E.- Purim celebrations everywhere, except Shushan where 2nd day of battles are fought.
        
Adar 15, 356 B.C.E.- Purim celebration in Shushan.

355 B.C.E. - Megillah written by Esther and Mordechai; Festival of Purim instituted for all generations.

Purim observances include:

a) Reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle.

b) Giving to the poor (gifts of money should be given to at least two poor people).

c) Sending gifts of food to friends (a minimum of two ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend).

d) The Purim feast.

e) Reciting the Al Hanissim prayer in The Amidah and Birkat HaMazon.

Customs include dressing up in disguising costumes and the traditional Purim food, the hamantash. For more detailed information, see links below.

When Purim falls on Friday -- as it does this year -- all of the above should be done before Shabbat begins, 18 minutes before sunset.

How does a Purim Feast work?