What do you state on Purim and the length of time does it last?

Across the world, Jewish individuals are preparing to wear some costume and commemorate the celebration of Purim.

The celebration is among feasting and revelry, and held on the 15th day of Adar, which is a month in the Hebrew calendar.

Purim celebrates the victory of Esther over Haman – an advisor to the king who wanted to rid the kingdom of Jewish people.

Esther used an elaborate scheme to reveal her faith, saving the people from Haman.

Purim is a favourite among children because celebrations often involve fancy dress and games – so find out everything you need to know about the Jewish festival here.

What do you say on Purim?

‘Happy Purim’ in Hebrew, a language widely spoken in Israel where most of the population is Jewish, is ‘chag Purim samayach’, which is pronounced KHAG poo-REEM sah-MAY-akh.

In Yiddish, a historical Jewish language ‘Happy Purim’ is ‘ah freilichen Purim’, pronounced FRAY-likh-en POO-rim.

How long does Purim last?

Purim lasts for one day – from the evening on Thursday 25 February to the evening of Friday 26.

In the Jewish calendar, days being at nightfall, and so festivals run from the evening of one day to the next.

This is based on the story of creation in the Torah. In the book of Genesis, it says ‘And it was evening, and it was morning; day one’ – and so the Jewish calendar marks days from night to day.

This is the case for all Jewish festivals, not just Purim.

How is Purim going to be celebrated in 2021?

Purim is normally celebrated with carnivals and chaos – it’s not a sombre occasion.

But because of coronavirus, these celebrations have moved off the street and online.

The Temple Beth El is running a carnival over Zoom, complete with a shadow puppet workshop.

And if you fancy something a bit more grown up, the West London Synagogue is running a Purim Drag Bingo After Party over Zoom.

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