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Feast of Lots
Purim (Heb. purim, "lots," <Esther 9:26,31>).
This feast was instituted by Mordecai, at the suggestion of Esther, in memory
of the extraordinary deliverance of the Jews of Persia from the murderous plot
of Haman. It was generally adopted, though not at first without opposition.
The name Purim, "lots," was given to this festival because of the casting of
lots by Haman to decide when he should carry into effect the decree issued by
the king for the extermination of the Jews <Esth 9:24>. The name was probably
given to the festival in irony.
The only directions given respecting the observance of the festival is that
Mordecai ordered the 14th and 15th of Adar to be kept annually by the Jews; that
these two days should be days of feasting and joy, of the interchange of
presents, and of sending gifts to the poor; and that the Jews agreed to continue the
observance of the festival as it was begun (Esth 9:17-24). No mention is made
of any special sacrifice.
At the present day the festival is kept as follows:
the day preceding (13th Adar) is kept as a fast day (called "the Fast of
Esther"), in accordance with the command of the queen (4:15-16). Sundry prayers,
expressive of repentance, etc., are introduced into the ritual for the day. As on
all fast days, <Ex 32:11-14> and (34:1-11) are read as the lesson from the law,
and (Is 55:6-56:8) as the Haphtarah.
If 13th Adar falls on a
Sabbath, the fast is kept on the previous Thursday. As soon as the stars appear the
festival commences, candles are lighted, and all the Jews go to the
synagogue, where, after the evening service, the benediction is pronounced, and the
book of Esther is read by the prelector. As often as the name of Haman is
mentioned in the reading, the congregation stamps on the floor, saying, "Let his name
be blotted out. The name of the wicked shall rot!" While the children shake
rattles. After the reading the congregation exclaims, "Cursed be Haman; blessed be
Mordecai!" etc.; the benediction is said, and all go home and partake of milk
and eggs.
On the 14th, in the morning, the people go to the synagogue; several prayers
are inserted into the regular ritual; (Ex 17:8-16) is read as the lesson from
the law, and Esther, as on the previous evening. The rest of the festival is
given up to rejoicing, exchanging of presents, games, etc. Rejoicing continues on
the 15th, and the festival terminates on the evening of this day.