Glossary

10.3 Minor Holidays: Purim and Hanukkah

6 min read•july 30, 2024

Jewish holidays and celebrate historical triumphs over oppression. Purim commemorates the Jewish people's escape from genocide in ancient Persia, while Hanukkah marks the rededication of the Second Temple after the .

Both holidays feature unique customs that bring joy and meaning. Purim involves costumes, noisemakers, and sending food gifts, while Hanukkah centers around and eating fried foods. These festivities strengthen Jewish identity and community bonds.

The Purim Story

Historical Background

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Top images from around the web for Historical Background

  • Book of Esther - Wikimedia Commons View original

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  • The Purim story is recorded in the biblical Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim (Writings) section of the Tanakh
  • The events are said to have occurred during the reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus, who is often identified as Xerxes I (486-465 BCE)
  • The story takes place in the Persian Empire, which at the time was the largest empire in the world, spanning from India to Ethiopia

Key Narrative Elements

  • The story revolves around the Jewish heroine Esther, who becomes queen of Persia after King Ahasuerus banishes his former wife, Vashti, for refusing to obey his orders
  • Esther keeps her Jewish identity secret at the advice of her cousin and guardian, Mordecai
  • Haman, the king's prime minister, plots to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire after Mordecai refuses to bow down to him
  • Haman convinces the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of the Jews on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar
  • Esther, at the urging of Mordecai, reveals her Jewish identity to the king and exposes Haman's plot
  • The king orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, and issues a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies
  • On the 13th of Adar, the Jews defeat their enemies, and the following day (the 14th of Adar) is celebrated as a day of feasting and rejoicing, which becomes the holiday of Purim
  • In the walled city of Shushan, the fighting continues for an extra day, so Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar

Purim Rituals and Customs

Religious Observances

  • The primary mitzvah (commandment) associated with Purim is the public reading of the Book of Esther (Megillat Esther) in the synagogue on the evening and morning of the holiday
    • It is customary for the congregation to boo, hiss, or shake noisemakers (graggers) whenever Haman's name is mentioned
  • Prior to Purim, it is customary to fast on the 13th of Adar, known as the , in commemoration of the three-day fast observed by Esther and the Jews of Shushan before she approached the king
  • On Purim day, Jews are required to send gifts of food to friends (), consisting of at least two different ready-to-eat food items
    • This custom emphasizes the importance of friendship and community
  • Giving charity to the poor () is another essential Purim mitzvah, ensuring that everyone has the means to celebrate the holiday

Festive Celebrations

  • Purim is celebrated with a festive meal () that often includes hamantaschen, triangular cookies filled with fruit or poppy seeds, said to resemble Haman's hat or ears
  • Many communities host Purim carnivals, parades, and costume parties, where children and adults dress up in costumes that reflect the Purim story or other creative themes
    • This custom is thought to symbolize the hidden nature of the Purim miracle, as God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther
  • Some communities put on Purim spiels, humorous skits or plays that retell the Purim story with a comedic twist
  • It is customary for adults to drink alcohol during the Purim feast, to the point where they cannot distinguish between "cursed be Haman" and "blessed be Mordecai"

The Hanukkah Story

Historical Context

  • Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE, following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire
  • Under the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king, Jews were forced to assimilate into Greek culture and abandon Jewish practices
    • In 168 BCE, Antiochus desecrated the Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs on the altar
  • The Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels led by the priest Mattathias and his five sons, launched a guerrilla war against the Seleucids
    • After three years of fighting, the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem and the Temple

The Miracle of the Oil

  • According to tradition, when the Maccabees went to light the Temple's menorah (seven-branched candelabrum), they found only one cruse of pure olive oil, enough to last for a single day
  • Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, until new pure oil could be prepared
  • Hanukkah celebrates this miracle and the triumph of light over darkness, faith over persecution
  • The primary religious observance of Hanukkah is the lighting of the hanukkiah, a nine-branched menorah, with one candle lit on the first night and an additional candle added each successive night
    • The (helper) candle is used to light the others
    • Blessings are recited during the lighting ceremony, and the hanukkiah is traditionally placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle ()

Purim vs Hanukkah: Modern Practices

Cultural Significance

  • Both Purim and Hanukkah have taken on increased cultural significance in modern times, particularly in the diaspora, where they have become occasions for expressing Jewish identity and solidarity
    • Hanukkah has gained prominence in Western countries as a Jewish counterpart to Christmas, with gift-giving and decorations becoming more widespread
      • This shift has led to concerns about the commercialization and secularization of the holiday
    • Purim has seen a resurgence in popularity, with more elaborate costume parties, parades, and carnivals being organized in Jewish communities worldwide
      • The festive atmosphere and lighthearted traditions of Purim provide a welcome contrast to the solemnity of many other Jewish holidays

Contemporary Themes and Interpretations

  • The themes and messages of both holidays have been reinterpreted and adapted to address contemporary issues and challenges facing the Jewish people
    • Hanukkah's story of religious freedom and resistance to assimilation resonates with modern Jews, particularly in the face of antisemitism and efforts to suppress Jewish identity
    • Purim's narrative of standing up to oppression and the triumph of good over evil has been invoked in response to threats facing the Jewish community, such as the Holocaust and contemporary antisemitism
  • Some congregations have incorporated social justice themes into their Purim celebrations, using the holiday as an opportunity to raise awareness about issues like poverty, racism, and discrimination
  • Innovative Hanukkah rituals and events, such as public menorah lightings, Hanukkah-themed film festivals, and interfaith celebrations, have emerged as ways to share the holiday's message with the broader community

Continuity and Adaptability

  • While the core religious observances of Purim and Hanukkah have remained largely unchanged, modern Jewish communities have found creative ways to engage with these holidays and make them relevant to their lives
  • Other Hanukkah customs include eating fried foods like potato latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), playing the game, and exchanging gifts
    • These traditions, while not inherently religious, have become integral parts of the holiday celebration
  • Despite their differences in origin and religious significance, Purim and Hanukkah both serve as important touchstones for Jewish identity and continuity in the modern world, providing opportunities for celebration, reflection, and connection with Jewish history and tradition

Key Terms to Review (22)

Al Hanisim Prayer: The Al Hanisim prayer is a special addition to the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon recited during the Jewish festivals of Hanukkah and Purim. This prayer expresses gratitude for the miracles performed during these significant events in Jewish history, highlighting themes of deliverance and divine intervention. It serves as a reminder of the historical struggles faced by the Jewish people and reinforces the importance of faith and perseverance.
Costumes for purim: Costumes for Purim are colorful and festive attire worn by individuals during the Jewish holiday of Purim, which celebrates the events in the Book of Esther. This tradition reflects themes of joy, celebration, and the hidden nature of identities, as the story involves characters who conceal their true selves. The act of dressing up allows participants to engage in revelry and creativity, making it a central aspect of the festivities.
Dreidel: A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top that is a popular game associated with Hanukkah celebrations. Each side of the dreidel has a Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin, which collectively represent the phrase 'Nes Gadol Hayah Sham' meaning 'A great miracle happened there.' The dreidel game is played with chocolate coins or other small items, and it symbolizes the Jewish victory over oppression during the Maccabean Revolt.
Fast of Esther: The Fast of Esther is a Jewish fast day observed on the day before Purim, commemorating the fasting of Queen Esther and the Jewish people as they prayed for deliverance from extermination. This fast serves as a preparation for the joyful celebrations of Purim, emphasizing themes of repentance and reflection in the face of adversity.
Gelt for Hanukkah: Gelt for Hanukkah refers to the traditional practice of giving and receiving money, often in the form of chocolate coins, during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. This custom is tied to the themes of the holiday, including celebration, family, and the joy of giving. Gelt is often used by children to play dreidel games, and it symbolizes the blessings of wealth and prosperity during this festive time.
Hamentashen: Hamentashen are triangular pastries traditionally filled with sweet fillings, commonly associated with the celebration of Purim. These delightful treats symbolize the hidden nature of the Purim story, particularly the way in which Esther concealed her Jewish identity. The name 'hamentashen' is derived from 'Haman's pockets,' referring to the villain in the Purim story, Haman, and serves as a reminder of his defeat.
Hanukkah: Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. It celebrates the miracle of a small amount of oil that lasted for eight days when the Maccabees reclaimed the temple from the Seleucids, highlighting themes of religious freedom and perseverance against oppression.
Hanukkah parties: Hanukkah parties are festive gatherings held during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil. These parties are characterized by the sharing of traditional foods, games, and customs that foster a sense of community and celebration among family and friends. They often include activities like lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and enjoying special dishes such as latkes and sufganiyot.
Lighting the menorah: Lighting the menorah refers to the ritual of kindling the eight-branched candelabrum during Hanukkah, a Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Each night, an additional candle is lit until all eight are illuminated, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days despite only being enough for one day.
Maccabean Revolt: The Maccabean Revolt was a significant Jewish uprising that took place from 167 to 160 BCE against the Seleucid Empire, driven by resistance to Hellenistic influence and the oppressive policies of King Antiochus IV. This revolt led to the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and established the Hasmonean dynasty, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish history and cultural identity.
Matanot la'evyonim: Matanot la'evyonim refers to the practice of giving gifts to the poor, specifically during the Jewish holiday of Purim. This act is a key component of the celebration, reflecting the importance of community support and charity within Jewish tradition. It underscores the values of tzedakah and gemilut hasadim, emphasizing the responsibility to care for those in need, especially during times of joy and festivity.
Miracle of lights: The miracle of lights refers to the Jewish tradition surrounding Hanukkah, celebrating the miraculous event where a small amount of oil, enough to last only one day, burned for eight days in the rededicated Temple after the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire. This event symbolizes hope, perseverance, and divine intervention, particularly emphasizing the importance of faith during times of adversity.
Mishloach manot: Mishloach manot refers to the traditional practice of sending gift baskets filled with food to friends and family during the Jewish holiday of Purim. This custom emphasizes the themes of generosity, community, and joy associated with Purim, encouraging social bonds and acts of kindness among individuals.
Pirsumei nisa: Pirsumei nisa is a Hebrew term that translates to 'publicizing the miracle,' referring to the practice of making known the miracles associated with Jewish holidays, particularly Purim and Hanukkah. This concept emphasizes the importance of sharing stories of divine intervention and miraculous events, fostering a sense of communal celebration and remembrance.
Purim: Purim is a festive Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. Celebrated annually on the 14th day of Adar, it involves joyous celebration, including feasting, giving gifts, and reading the Megillah (the Book of Esther). The observance of Purim also highlights themes of survival, resilience, and communal unity, which are rooted in Jewish law and tradition.
Purim Seudah: Purim Seudah is a festive meal celebrated on the Jewish holiday of Purim, symbolizing joy and celebration in remembrance of the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy them. It is an important aspect of Purim observance, where friends and family gather to share a lavish feast, often including wine and special dishes. The meal serves not only as a way to express gratitude for deliverance but also as a communal event that enhances the spirit of unity and joy during this festive time.
Reading the megillah: Reading the megillah refers to the public recitation of the Book of Esther, which is performed during the Jewish holiday of Purim. This practice is a central ritual of Purim and serves to commemorate the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to annihilate them, as described in the biblical narrative. The reading is typically done twice, once on the evening of Purim and once during the day, and is accompanied by various customs that enhance the festive atmosphere of the holiday.
Redemption: Redemption in Judaism refers to the process of deliverance and restoration, often associated with the freeing of individuals or the community from bondage or sin. This concept is deeply rooted in narratives and laws within sacred texts, signifying a transformative journey from suffering towards liberation, particularly seen in events like the Exodus and during significant religious observances.
Seudat Purim: Seudat Purim is a festive meal celebrated on Purim, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy them, as recounted in the Book of Esther. This meal is a key aspect of the holiday, characterized by joy, feasting, and communal celebration, reflecting the themes of salvation and gratitude central to Purim.
Shamash: The shamash is a special candle used in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, set apart from the other candles in the menorah. Its primary purpose is to light the other candles, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. The shamash often stands taller than the other candles and is typically placed in a separate holder, emphasizing its distinct role in the ritual lighting during Hanukkah.
Shehechiyanu blessing: The shehechiyanu blessing is a Jewish prayer recited to express gratitude for experiencing something new or special, often said during significant moments such as holidays, festivals, or life milestones. This blessing acknowledges God's provision of life, sustenance, and the opportunity to reach this moment, making it particularly relevant during celebrations like Purim and Hanukkah, when joy and thanksgiving are emphasized.
Story of Esther: The Story of Esther is a narrative found in the Hebrew Bible that recounts the tale of a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia and courageously saves her people from a plot to annihilate them. This story is central to the celebration of Purim, highlighting themes of bravery, identity, and divine providence.
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