Purim

Purim is a holiday established by Chazal in the period before the building of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and is mentioned in Tanach in Megillas Esther. In most places in the world it falls on the 14th of Adar, and in cities that were walled from the time of Yehoshua bin Nun, like Yerushalayim, the holiday falls on the 15th of Adar. The eve of the holiday, the 13th of Adar, is Taanis Esther.

The holiday was established to commemorate the miracle that Hashem performed for us during the Persian exile between the destruction of the First Beis Hamikdash and the building of the Second Beis Hamikdash, under the rule of Achashverosh, when He saved the Jewish people from Haman's decree to destroy all Jews - men, women and children. This salvation came about through the actions of Mordechai HaYehudi and Queen Esther.

The holiday has four unique mitzvos: reading the Megillah at night and day, having a feast and celebration, mishloach manos (sending food portions), and matanos l'evyonim (gifts to the poor). Additionally, there is Torah reading about destroying Amalek, saying 'V'al Hanissim' in prayer and bentching, and a prohibition against eulogies and fasting. There are also many customs - like costumes, making noise at Haman's name, drinking 'ad d'lo yada' and more. The Rebbe initiated Mivtza Purim, through which Chabad Chassidim help as many Jews as possible fulfill the holiday's mitzvos.

Uniquely, the joy of Purim was established in halacha as unlimited joy - "ad d'lo yada", unlike the limited joy of other holidays. This joy stems from the virtue of the Jewish people who, even in a dark exile period like the days of Mordechai and Esther, awakened of their own will and chose to connect to Hashem with mesiras nefesh. Because of the unique level of Purim joy, this holiday will be the only one that will not be nullified in the future, in the times of Moshiach.

Its Source

Origin and Historical Background

The background of Purim takes place during the Babylonian exile after the destruction of the First Temple in the year 3338. Near the end of this exile in 3392, the Jews were under the rule of King Achashverosh of Persia. After Queen Vashti was killed, Achashverosh took Queen Esther, who was Jewish, as his wife. This event later proved to be the remedy that would save the Jews from a terrible decree years later.

Years later, in 3404, Haman, Achashverosh's minister, cast lots ("pur") to determine the date for destroying all Jews in the Persian Empire. The lot fell on the 13th of Adar. Haman's anger stemmed from Mordechai's refusal to bow to him, which according to our Sages would have constituted idol worship.

The miracle of salvation occurred through the prayers and fasts of the Jewish people, along with Esther's intervention with the king. This led to the reversal of the decree - instead of Mordechai and his people being killed, Haman and his ten sons were hanged. On the day of the planned genocide, the Jews defended themselves and defeated their enemies on the 13th of Adar, with an additional day of victory in Shushan on the 14th.

Establishing Purim

Mordechai's establishment of Purim is described at length in Megillat Esther:

"And Mordechai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Achashverosh, both near and far, to establish among them that they should celebrate the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and the fifteenth day of it, every year... to make them days of feasting and joy, and sending portions to one another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews accepted what they had begun to do and what Mordechai had written to them. The Jews established and accepted upon themselves and upon their descendants and upon all who joined them, that it should not fail, that they would observe these two days according to their writing and according to their set time, every year. And these days should be remembered and celebrated throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city. And these days of Purim shall not pass from among the Jews, and their remembrance shall not cease from their descendants.

And Queen Esther, daughter of Avichayil, and Mordechai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter of Purim. And he sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Achashverosh, words of peace and truth, to confirm these days of Purim in their times, as Mordechai the Jew and Queen Esther had established for them, and as they had established for themselves and for their descendants, the matters of the fasts and their cry. And the command of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book."

From examining the content of these verses, it appears that there were stages and different actions taken by Mordechai and Esther in establishing the holiday. "And Mordechai wrote," "and he sent letters," and after this again "and Esther wrote... to confirm this second letter," and again "and he sent letters," "and Esther's command confirmed... and it was written in the book."

Rashi explains that the writing of the Megillah was done by Mordechai, and this is the meaning of the verse "And Mordechai wrote." Additionally, he sent letters to the Jewish communities so that they would observe the holiday of Purim every year.

Regarding Esther's writing, according to Rashi, it appears that there was no additional matter, except that a year later she sent another letter to establish and strengthen the days of Purim with all its details. However, Ibn Ezra explains that the sending of the letters was because Mordechai's letters were not accepted by the Jews, and since she was a queen, her words were more readily accepted by the Jews.

And her words that were written in the book ("and Esther's command... and it was written in the book") – Rashi explains this as an additional discussion about establishing the Megillah as one of the 24 books of Tanach. According to Ibn Ezra's interpretation, it was a book like the Megillah that Esther wrote about these days, but it was lost.

Holiday Obligations and Customs

Main Obligations

1. Reading the Megillah - One must hear the reading of the Book of Esther both at night and during the day. Two blessings are recited before the reading. The custom is to read the Megillah during evening services after Maariv, and in the morning after Torah reading following Shacharit.
2. Sending Portions (Mishloach Manot) - This obligation involves sending at least two portions of food with different blessings to at least one person. Men send to men and women to women. It's proper to send through a messenger.
3. Gifts to the Poor - One must give monetary gifts to at least two poor people, enough for each to buy a minimal holiday meal. Maimonides writes that one should give more to this obligation than to Mishloach Manot and the feast.
4. Feasting and Joy - This is the main obligation of the holiday. Generally, one must drink and rejoice throughout the day, but the main focus is the Purim feast. The Sages determined that one should drink wine on Purim until they cannot distinguish between "cursed is Haman" and "blessed is Mordechai."

Order of Prayer

Before the evening prayer and morning prayer, it is forbidden to eat until reading the Megillah. In each of the holiday prayers and also in Grace After Meals, we add in the "Modim" blessing of the Shemoneh Esrei prayer, the prayer "V'al Hanissim... in the days of Mordechai and Esther..." (see text box). One should not announce this addition verbally but rather by tapping on the table, and it is preferable that one of the gabbaim recite this section aloud when he reaches it. If a person forgot to say "V'al Hanissim" and remembered before saying "Baruch Atah Hashem," he should say it in its proper place, but if he remembered after mentioning Hashem's name but before "Yihyu L'ratzon," he should say "Harachaman Hu ya'aseh lanu nissim v'nifla'ot k'shem she'asita la'avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh, bimei Mordechai v'Esther..." (In Grace After Meals, if he forgot, he says "V'al Hanissim" before "Harachaman Hu yezakenu"). Also, we do not say "Tachanun" and "E-l Erech Apayim" in the prayer.

In the morning prayer of the holiday, we read from the Torah in Parshat Beshalach about the destruction of Amalek (Exodus 17:8-16) and remembering him. Three people are called to the Torah and each one reads three verses. Additionally, one who did not hear Parshat Zachor can fulfill his obligation with this Torah reading. Also, one can give the half-shekel if it was not given on Ta'anit Esther.

Afterward, we read the Megillah (still wearing Rashi's tefillin). We do not say Hallel on this holiday despite the miracle that occurred. The Gemara presents several reasons for this:

1. Because we do not say "Hallel" for a miracle that happened outside the Land of Israel.
2. The reading of the Megillah itself is considered as "Hallel."

Mivtza Purim

Expanded entry – Mivtza Purim

The Rebbe instructed to bring joy to as many Jews as possible with the happiness of the holiday, and to merit them with the mitzvot practiced on it. Accordingly, Chabad Chassidim strive to reach every possible place on this day, to read the Megillah and fulfill the mitzvot of sending portions (mishloach manot) and gifts to the poor with every Jew. The Rebbe established this campaign in the year 5721 (1961) when he issued a letter to all institutions to undertake this campaign.

Purim Customs

A child in costume passes before the Rebbe during the distribution of dollars that took place on the Purim holiday

• Costumes - One of the customs is that children wear costumes. The reason for this custom is to increase joy and to symbolize that even when a Jew sins, it is only an "external costume," similar to what happened on Purim (when the Jewish people enjoyed Achashverosh's feast).
• Beating Haman - On Purim, we are to erase Haman who was from the seed of Amalek. The erasure is done by making noise when his name is mentioned in the Megillat Esther, using a noisemaker.
• Purim Money - On Purim, it is also customary to give children "Purim money."

Walled Cities

Cities surrounded by walls from the days of Joshua son of Nun are cities that have a tradition testifying that during the time of Joshua son of Nun during the conquest of the land (year 2489) they were surrounded by walls. The only definite city that was walled then is the city of Jerusalem, however there are many cities which we are concerned about whether they were walled then such as: Safed, Tiberias, Acre and more.

This matter has practical relevance regarding the celebration of the days of Purim, because walled cities celebrate it on Shushan Purim.

The Rebbe instructed Rabbi Tanchum Dunin to celebrate Purim in the city of Haifa on both days out of doubt.

Triple Purim

Expanded topic - Triple Purim

When Purim falls on Shabbat, the mitzvot of the holiday are spread over three days: Friday, Shabbat and Sunday. In the fixed Jewish calendar used nowadays, this situation is only possible with the Purim holiday in walled cities, which falls on the 15th of Adar, since the 14th of Adar on which Purim is celebrated in other cities cannot fall on Shabbat. In such a case, the holiday is called "Triple Purim."

The order of mitzvot in Triple Purim is:

• On Friday, 14th of Adar - Reading the Megillah of Esther and giving gifts to the poor.
• On Shabbat, 15th of Adar - Adding the special Purim Torah reading for Maftir, and reciting the "Al HaNissim" prayer.
• On Sunday, 16th of Adar - Holding the Purim feast and sending Mishloach Manot (food gifts).

Nevertheless, the Rebbe emphasized that on Sunday one should also continue to give gifts to the poor[13].

In such a case, the Rebbe instructed to unite with the residents of Jerusalem in observing the Purim customs that apply, and to increase in Ahavat Yisrael (love of fellow Jews) on Shabbat and Sunday, by organizing gatherings for children, and more[13].

Triple Purim is a relatively rare event, occurring in only 11% of years, in those years when the first day of Passover falls on Sunday. During the years since the beginning of the Rebbe's leadership, Purim has occurred in this configuration in the years: 5710 (1950), 5714 (1954), 5734 (1974), 5737 (1977), 5741 (1981), 5754 (1994), 5761 (2001), 5765 (2005), 5768 (2008), and 5781 (2021).

Purim Katan

When the year is a leap year and there are two months of Adar, the holiday of Purim is celebrated in the second month (called Adar II), while the 14th of the first Adar is called Purim Katan (Small Purim), and is celebrated only by having a special meal and by not reciting Tachanun.

Purim in the Future Era

Chazal said, and it was also ruled as halacha by the Rambam, that even though all holidays will be nullified in the days of Moshiach, the holiday of Purim will not be nullified. Similarly, even though all books of the Prophets and Writings will be nullified then, Megillat Esther will remain eternal (as well as the halachot in the Oral Torah).

The meaning of this nullification has been extensively discussed in the works of the great sages of Israel. In Chassidic teachings, it is explained that this does not mean complete nullification, G-d forbid - rather, compared to the great joy and the wondrous divine light that will exist in the future era, the joy of the holidays will not have significance, as the revelation of divine light in them is relatively limited compared to what will be revealed then. This is comparable to what Chazal said: "What use is a candle in broad daylight?" However, the holiday of Purim will not be nullified even then, since the joy and divine revelation in it is unlimited, and therefore it will still be felt in the future.

The reason for this is because the events of Purim occurred specifically during the time of exile when divine light does not shine openly, and nevertheless the Jewish people stood strong with mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice). Therefore, the holiday that resulted from this is more elevated than other holidays, and the divine light that shines in it is unlimited.

In Chassidic Teachings

In Chassidic teachings, it is explained that there is a deep connection between Purim and Yom Kippur, which is even expressed in the name of Yom Kippur as "Kipurim" - like Purim. As the Alter Rebbe wrote: "Purim and Yom Kippur are of the same essence; Yom Kippur means 'like Purim'." The Rebbe explains that Purim even has a greater virtue than Yom Kippur. What both have in common is their connection to the concept of goral (lottery) - in Purim, Haman cast a lot, and on Yom Kippur there is a lottery between the two goats. This represents something above nature, and similarly, Hashem relates to us in these days in a supernatural way. However, while on Yom Kippur this is accomplished through fasting and self-denial, on Purim it is specifically accomplished through drinking wine and rejoicing.

Furthermore, the lottery of Purim is much more elevated than the lottery of Yom Kippur because on Yom Kippur the lottery was for the goats - whether for Hashem or for Azazel - while in Purim the lottery was about Hashem Himself or the sitra achra (the "other side").

In Chassidic teachings, it is also explained that the reason Purim is named after the "pur" (lottery) is because Haman wanted to arouse prosecution against the Jewish people at a level that is above hishtalshelut (the chain of spiritual worlds), the level of lottery. However, since the Essential Choice of Hashem is specifically with the Jewish people, and this choice is above even the lottery, the holiday is specifically called by this name, as it expresses the lofty revelation of Purim - Hashem's love for the Jewish people that is at the level of lottery.

The reason the holiday is called by its Persian name rather than in the holy tongue (Hebrew) is to express that even when a Jew is engaged in mundane matters with a non-Jew, even then Hashem relates to him in a way that is beyond nature.

The Baal Shem Tov explained the halacha that "one who reads the Megillah backwards has not fulfilled his obligation" to mean that one who thinks the Megillah is something historical and not relevant today is considered as if he hasn't read the Megillah at all. This is because the entire purpose of the Megillah is to teach us how to conduct ourselves even in our days. In Chassidic teachings, it is explained that Purim is the only holiday that occurred during galut (exile) and it comes to teach us how to behave in exile - that even when there is concealment and the connection between Hashem and Israel is not visibly apparent, nevertheless the inner connection between them continues. "Haman's decree" caused the revelation of the connection between them, as from the side of the Jewish people it caused them to return to their source and be willing to sacrifice their lives, and from Hashem's side, He saved them.

The Gemara states on the verse "the Jews confirmed what they had already begun to do" that at the time of Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah), the Jewish people received the Torah under coercion, but in Purim "they accepted it again in the days of Achashverosh" - they accepted the Torah anew willingly. In Chassidic teachings, it is explained that this doesn't mean they literally received the Torah under coercion at Mt. Sinai, but rather that Hashem revealed Himself to them and that is what caused them to accept the Torah. However, during Purim, Hashem was in concealment and hiddenness, and despite this, they chose Hashem and accepted the Torah anew.

In the Presence of Our Rebbes

The Purim holiday was one of the regular occasions when the Rebbe Rashab would hold farbrengens with the chassidim every year, and this tradition continued in the generations that followed.

Due to the nature of the farbrengen on Purim, there were many revelations during these times, and among the farbrengens held throughout the years, there were several farbrengens that were etched in the memory of chassidim as extraordinary events because of the special discourses delivered by our Rebbes or because of things that happened as a result of them.

Below is a partial list:

• Purim 5680 (1920) - The last Purim with the Rebbe Rashab, just two weeks before his histalkus. Under Bolshevik rule, the Rebbe Rashab held a lengthy farbrengen that lasted 12 consecutive hours. In the middle of the farbrengen, secret police soldiers entered with drawn weapons, but the Rebbe Rashab was unfazed and said, "We will say Chassidus and they will be nullified," and began delivering the maamar 'Reishis Goyim Amalek,' which was the last maamar he delivered before the chassidim.
• Purim 5681 (1921) - Even though the Frierdiker Rebbe was in mortal danger due to his medical condition, the Rebbe farbrenged for many hours. This farbrengen was the first Purim farbrengen of his nesius, and the Rebbe delivered a Chassidic maamar that lasted two and a half hours continuously.
• Purim 5687 (1927) - Despite explicit threats from the secret police, the Rebbe farbrenged for 15 hours and spoke sharply against the decrees on Jewish education in Russia. The Rebbe even declared that anyone who has a son and hands him over to study in Soviet or Yevsek schools would not live out the year. In the middle of the farbrengen, the Rebbe fainted from extreme emotion, and after two hours of rest, returned to continue the farbrengen.

With the Rebbe

• Purim 5713 (1953) - Unusually, the Rebbe delivered 2 maamarim during the farbrengen, and told a heavenly story about an event from the time of the Rebbe Rashab, and later it became known that Stalin had suddenly died at that same hour.
• Purim 5715 (1955) - During the farbrengen, the Rebbe asked those present to raise their right hand to accept upon themselves the test of wealth.
• Purim 5718 (1958) - The style of the farbrengen was different from usual and the Rebbe spoke many personal words to the chassidim, some even in the style of 'mussar'. The Rebbe also gave special blessings, and the farbrengen lasted more than 9 hours.
• Purim 5726 (1966) - The Rebbe distributed much 'l'chaim' to the chassidim during the farbrengen, and instructed that all bottles be emptied because it was a time of 'whoever extends a hand, we give to them' and gave blessings to all who asked. The distribution of 'l'chaim' continued even after the farbrengen ended until the Rebbe entered his home.
• Purim 5731 (1971) - President Shneur Zalman Shazar visited our holy courts and participated in the Megillah reading, and afterwards entered for a yechidus with the Rebbe that lasted more than 4 hours.
• Purim 5736 (1976) - The Rebbe publicly aroused with extraordinary attention regarding the takana of "putting on Rabbeinu Tam's tefillin."
• Purim 5741 (1981) - It fell on Friday and the Rebbe went after Mincha prayers to the 'small zal', asked that the doors and windows be closed and began to say a maamar on "The Jews had light".

Further Reading

"I'll Begin to Say a Chassidic Discourse and They Will Be Nullified"

Description of the last Purim holiday with the Rebbe Rashab in 5680 (1920), just two weeks before his passing, from Kfar Chabad magazine issue 1848, page 44

"The Purim of the New Rebbe"

Description of Purim 5711 (1951) with the Rebbe, translated from Yiddish from the newspaper 'Forverts', Kfar Chabad magazine issue 1848, page 49

"When the Rebbe Announced: Whoever Extends Their Hand, We Give to Them"

Description of Purim days with the Rebbe by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Groner, Kfar Chabad magazine issue 1848, page 25

"10 Chabad Facts - Special Purims in Lubavitch"

Beit Moshiach magazine issue 1205, page 33

Purim Celebrations in Jewish Communities

Throughout history, various communities that faced great danger celebrated their own private salvation holiday similar to Purim, and their stories have been preserved in Jewish tradition. Below is a sample collection from Sichot L'Noar (Youth Talks) magazines:

• Purim of Castile
• Purim of Yemen (additional version)
• Purim of Amtzisl
• Purim of Istanbul
• Purim of Frankfurt
• Purim of Tripoli
• Purim of Egypt (a) • (b)
• Purim of Hebron
• Purim of Prague (a) • (b)
• Purim of Pasona

External Links

• Distribution of the 'V'Atah Tetzaveh' booklet 5752 (link not active, 13 Adar 5785)
• Purim Holiday, laws and customs, articles and stories
• The Rebbe on Purim ● Special pictures
• Purim Miracle 5751 - The fascinating booklet "Wonders in the Gulf" - booklet about the miracles of the Gulf War
• "Currently Making Order in Petersburg", in 'U'Be'Oto HaZman' magazine page 28, published by Yafutzu organization
• "Don't Surrender to Fate" Chassidic awareness about Purim - Rabbi Yitzchak Arad

Miscellaneous

• Purim Mobile Units in Sderot (link not active, 13 Adar 5785)
• Purim Campaign 5768 (link not active, 13 Adar 5785)
• Purim Farbrengen with R' Zalman Notik and R' Chaim Shalom Deutsch (link not active, 13 Adar 5785)
• The Essence of Purim According to Chassidus: Special lesson from Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Segal
• Articles in A Chassidisher Derher magazine: In the King's Court - Purim with the Rebbe • Mivtza Purim • Heavenly Matters - Purim 5713 • The Legendary Purim - Purim 5718 (English)
• Purim with the Rebbe, collection of video productions covering Purim with the Rebbe throughout the years (English)
• Rabbi Michael Aaron Zeligson, The Rebbe's Discourses on Purim, Kovetz Hearos U'Biurim Oholi Torah issue 1249, Parshat Pekudei 5784, page 19
• Rabbi Yosef Katzman, Description of Purim Events in the Rebbe's Court Throughout the Years (Yiddish)

The Rebbe's Talks

• Likutei Sichos Moadim - Purim
• Purim Farbrengen 5733
• Purim 5742 in Beis Chayeinu
• Purim Farbrengen 5747
• Purim Farbrengen 5746 translated to Hebrew
• Purim 5749 with the Rebbe
• Megillat Esther with "Shaarei Megillah" commentary from the Rebbe - HebrewBooks website
• Shaarei Halacha U'Minhag Even HaEzer page 158 (page 154) - Law regarding reading the Megillah via telephone - HebrewBooks website
• Torat Menachem volume 5 for Purim and Shavuot - HebrewBooks website
• Collection of "Purim Torah" said by the Rebbe throughout the years

Laws and Customs

• Practical Halacha: Purim Holiday, print from the book, published by Machon Halacha Chabad
• Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad - Purim Holiday, with deciphered references
• Collection of the Rebbe's customs for Purim in Beit Moshiach weekly magazine, issue for Parshat Tzav 5776
• Collection of the Rebbe's practices for Purim
• Preparing for Purim with Machon Halacha Chabad, Purim laws and customs with Rabbi Shlomo Halperin