The day of boundless joy — the miracle hidden within nature
Purim
פּוּרִיםTimes for Purim
Halachic times for Valencia, Spain · 22 March 2027 – 23 March 2027
Calculated for Valencia (39.47° N, 0.38° W). The Fast of Esther begins at dawn and ends at nightfall. The Megillah is heard at night and again during the day; the Purim feast begins before sunset.
Purim (פּוּרִים) celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire, some 2,400 years ago. Haman, the king's minister, cast lots (“purim”) to choose the day on which to destroy all the Jews. Thanks to Queen Esther and to Mordechai, and to the teshuvah, fasting and prayer of the whole people, the decree was overturned: “the days that were turned from sorrow to joy”.
The four mitzvot of Purim:
- Hearing the Megillah: the reading of the Book of Esther, at night and again during the day
- Mishloach manot: sending at least two ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend
- Matanot la'evyonim: giving money to at least two people in need
- The Purim feast (seudah): a festive meal during the day, with joy
The day before Purim is the Fast of Esther, in memory of the fast that Queen Esther asked of the people before going to the king.
In the story of Purim, G-d's name does not appear even once: the miracle was hidden within nature. The Rebbe taught that Purim shows us how to see the Divine hand in everyday life, and that its joy goes beyond all limits.
"The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honour."
— Esther 8:16