Purim
The celebration of the Jews' deliverance from Haman's plan for genocide.
Bibelsk grunnlag
The entire book of Esther. Haman, minister to the Persian king Ahasuerus, plans to exterminate all the Jews in the empire. He casts purim (lots) to find the best date (Est 3:7). Mordecai's exhortation to Esther: "Who knows if you have not come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Est 4:14). Esther risks her life by going uninvited to the king. The plot is exposed, and Haman is hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai (Est 7). The Jews are allowed to defend themselves (Est 9).
Betydning
Purim is about God's hidden providence — God's name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, yet His hand is visible throughout the events. Courage to speak up for the vulnerable is central: Esther risks everything. The turning point from destruction to deliverance, from sorrow to joy, is a recurring biblical theme. "The days when the Jews had relief from their enemies, and the month when their sorrow was turned into gladness" (Est 9:22).
GT-forbindelser
The entire book of Esther. Thematic connection to the Joseph story — a Jew in a foreign court who saves his people (Gen 37-50). God's hidden hand in history — as in the book of Ruth, where "coincidences" lead toward salvation. Haman is an Agagite (Est 3:1) — descended from the Agagites/Amalekites, Israel's ancient enemies (1 Sam 15).
Liturgisk kontekst
Celebrated on 14 Adar. The Megillat Esther (Scroll of Esther) is read aloud in the synagogue — listeners make noise with rattles (groggers) every time Haman's name is mentioned. Mishloach manot (gifts to friends), matanot la-evyonim (gifts to the poor). Festive meal with wine. Tradition of dressing up — roles are reversed, identities swapped.
Historie
Purim is the most "secular" of Jewish holidays — it has a carnival character. The celebration is described in the book of Esther itself (Est 9:20-32). The reading of the Megillah dates back to Mishnaic times. In the diaspora, "local purims" were celebrated in cities that experienced deliverance from persecution.