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Purim

The Jewish Holiday of PurimPURIM IS THE JOYOUS HOLIDAY that celebrates the rescue of the Jews of Persia from annihilation. Along with reading the biblical Book of Esther (often called the megillah) on Purim, we dress up in costumes, share a festive meal, give gifts to our friends, and money to those in need.

On Purim you eat hamantaschen, triangular cookies with a filling (poppy and jam are popular options). Hamantaschen means Haman's pockets, and various legends connect the triangular pastries with Haman's hat, ears, and pockets. Many people put their hamantaschen in small packages of foods and gifts, which they distribute to friends and to the poor. Finally, a festive meal at home closes the holiday. It is traditional to serve alcohol, as well as a sumptuous feast, at this meal.

Holiday descriptions provided by Kveller.com.

Purim Books

Here is a list of Purim-related books sent out by the PJ Library program this year and in past years.

  • Review All the Purim Books

    • Purim Activities

    Below are some fun Purim activities the whole family can enjoy.
  • Dress, Bake & Shake for Purim
    18 Unique Purim suggestions, PJ Library Blog post.

  • Celebrate Purim with Shalom Sesame
    Wonderful holiday-related videos, collected on the PJ Library Blog.

  • Make Some Hamantaschen
    A great recipe posted on Kveller.com

  • A Purim Costume Roundup
    A collection of homemade Purim costumes from Modern Jewish Mom.

  • Giving to Others on Purim
    Encouraging Generosity with Purim Mitzvot, PJ Library Blog post

  • Origami for Kids: Mishloah Manot Gift Baskets
    A unique Purim craft project form Bible Belt Balabusta.

  • LEGO Graggers
    A stylish way to blot out Haman's name from Bible Belt Balabusta

  • Learn About Purim
    InterfaithFamily.com offers a "Take a Chance! Celebrate Purim" booklet for download and family reading.

  • Purim Dolls
    Kveller.com writer Meredith Jacobs shares the blueprints for toys that will help you and your kids retell the Purim story.

  • Princess of Persia: A Purim Story
    This G-dcast cartoon introduces Esther, the young woman at the middle of the famous Purim story.

      • (Trans)Denominational Purim Resources

      Check out the Purim resources provided by these Jewish organizations and movements:

    • InterfaithFamily.com
    • Jewish Outreach Institute
    • Society for Humanistic Judaism
    • Union for Reform Judaism
    • United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
    • Orthodox Union
    • Chabad
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