What Exactly Does Purim Celebrate?
By Sarah Rashba | 6 February 2025 | 3 Minute Read
What Makes This Celebration Truly Unique?
The Megillah (Book of Esther) presents an exciting narrative of danger, courage, and divine hiddenness. At its conclusion, Mordechai and Esther declare that this holiday should be celebrated for all time (Esther 9:27-28). In response, we observe Purim annually in recognition of the holiday they established.
But what, exactly, are we celebrating? If it were merely about being saved from enemies, Jewish history offers many such examples—yet not all of them warranted a permanent place on the calendar. What was it about this particular story that led Mordechai and Esther to institute a holiday for future generations?
To understand the significance of Purim and why it stands out among other Jewish holidays, let's explore what we commemorate and what makes this celebration truly unique.
5 Reasons Purim is a Cause for Celebration
1. The Survival of the Jewish People in Exile
At its core, Purim celebrates the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s genocidal plot. Haman, the right-hand man of King Achashverosh, casts lots (purim) to determine the date of the Jews' destruction (Esther 3:7). Through Esther’s bravery and Mordechai’s guidance, the decree is overturned, and the Jewish people are saved (Esther 9:1-2). Purim reminds us that even in exile, our survival is never guaranteed, but with courage and divine providence, redemption is possible.
2. The Power of Hidden Miracles
Unlike Passover or Hanukkah, where miracles are overt, Purim’s miracles are hidden within natural events. Nowhere in Megillat Esther is God’s name mentioned, yet His presence is felt throughout the story—Esther’s rise to royalty, the king’s sleepless night (Esther 6:1), and the reversal of Haman’s plans all point to divine orchestration. Purim teaches us to look for God’s hand even when it’s not immediately visible.
3. The Role of Human Agency
Unlike other biblical stories where God intervenes directly, Purim highlights the importance of human action. Esther risks her life by approaching the king uninvited (Esther 4:16), and Mordechai urges her to recognize her unique position: “Who knows if you were placed in royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). The celebration of Purim is a recognition that sometimes, we must take bold steps to bring about salvation.
4. The Danger of Assimilation and Forgetting Who We Are
The Jews in Shushan seem to be fully integrated into Persian society—Mordechai even holds a government position (Esther 2:5-6). But when Haman rises to power, their Jewish identity suddenly puts them in danger. The Megillah serves as a warning: blending in may seem safe, but it doesn’t guarantee security. Purim challenges us to consider how we maintain our Jewish identity, even in a world that encourages assimilation.
5. The Power of Unity and Joy
Purim’s celebration is marked by acts of unity—sending gifts to one another (mishloach manot, Esther 9:22) and giving to the poor (matanot l’evyonim, Esther 9:22). When Haman describes the Jews as “scattered and divided” (Esther 3:8), he sees their weakness. But when the Jews unite, they find strength. The joyous feasting and celebration of Purim reinforce the idea that true victory comes not just through survival, but through communal joy and togetherness.
Purim is not just an ancient victory—it speaks to every generation. The threats against Jewish survival continue to exist, and so does the challenge of seeing God’s presence in a hidden world. But Purim reassures us: just as in the days of Esther and Mordechai, our story isn’t over. We have the power to shape it with faith, courage, and unity. So, as you enjoy your hamantaschen and celebrate this joyful holiday, take a moment to reflect: What does Purim mean to you? How do you see its lessons playing out in your own life?
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