Purim 2012

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Purim commemorates the survival of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia, from the threat of annihilation at the hand of the powerful and evil Haman, the "prime minister". Haman plotted to kill the Jews on the 13th of Adar, but his plan was foiled and he ended up being killed himself. As a consequence, the Jews celebrated the next day, the 14th of Adar.

To celebrate the joyous holiday, we read Megillat Ester (The Book of Esther) which tells the whole story of the events relating to the holiday, dress up in costumes, give gifts to the poor (matanot l'evyonim), give gifts to friends (mishloach manot) and have a large Purim feast (seudat purim)!