Purim

Ancient Observance

The book of Esther itself gives us the earliest description of Purim observance.

The celebration centered on joy rather than Temple sacrifice. People held feasts, sent portions of food to one another and gave gifts to the poor.

This makes Purim different from biblical festivals such as Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot. There was no pilgrimage requirement and no special sacrifice commanded for Purim.

The public reading of Esther later became one of the central practices of the festival. Rabbinic teaching developed detailed instructions for reading the Megillah and observing the day.

Purim therefore began as a celebration of deliverance within Jewish communities and gradually developed the synagogue customs familiar today.