Celebrate Purim! Purim Party Planning, Ideas & Supplies

February 17, 2022

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Celebrate Purim with these featured Purim candy torahs

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Sunset March 6, 2023 – Sunset March 7, 2023

The holiday of Purim celebrates the victory of the Jewish people over the evil Haman. On the day preceding Purim there is a fast called “The Fast Of Esther”. On Purim itself, the Megillah (Book Of Esther) is read twice, once at night and once during the day. Jews celebrate Purim by giving charity, sending Shalach Manot (gifts of prepared food) and holding a festive meal.

Celebrate Purim!

Purim Party Planning, Ideas & Supplies

We love this oldie but goodie via 2011! The Maccabeats – Purim Song (Thank you Kosher on a Budget for sparking this memory!)

Purim Song by the Maccabeats

Celebrating Purim – An overview

The holiday of Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar (February-March). It commemorates the foiling of a plot by a Persian minister (Haman) to kill all the Jews in Persia. Purim is observed by Jews around the world. Characterized by feasting and merriment, Purim is typically celebrated in the company of family and friends in a synagogue.

The Purim story is recounted in the Book of Esther (Megillat Esther), which is contained in the Ketuvim section of the Bible (Tanalch). According to the Megillah of Esther, Haman decides to kill all the Jews in Persia after Mordecai, a Jew, refuses to bow down to him. After the Persian King Ahaseurus approves Haman's plot, Mordecai and his niece Esther, who is also the wife of King Ahaseurus, decide to expose Haman's plan. On the 14th of Adar, Esther succeeds in foiling the plot, and Haman is hung by orders of King Ahaseurus. The holiday is called Purim, which means lots because Haman is said to have drawn lots in order to determine the day on which the Jews should be slaughtered.

When is Purim Celebrated

On the 13th of Adar, the day before Purim, Orthodox Jews observe the fast of Esther which lasts until sundown. Usually, two Purim services are held in the synagogue. The first is held in the evening of the 13th of Adar while the second is held on the morning of the 14th. During both services, the Megillat Esther is read in its entirety. While the Book of Esther is being read, it is customary for children to rattle their graggers or noisemakers in a symbolic attempt to blot out the name of Haman. In the late afternoon, a festive meal is eaten. Among the foods typically enjoyed are boiled eggs, beans, and three-cornered pies known as hamantashen (Haman's pockets). Originally they were called Mohn-tashen, or poppy-seed pockets, but the similarity of the name to Haman made them associated with the villain of Persia. In Hebrew they are called Haman's ears.

Purim Rituals

The Book of Esther prescribes certain rituals which are to be performed on Purim. Emphasizing the importance of good deeds and charity, the Megillah of Esther states that individuals must give gifts both to friends and to the poor. Specifically, Jews are required to give two portions of food to at least one friend and must give money to two poor individuals.

On the basis of Italian influence, the holding of a Purim carnival has become common in many countries. During this carnival, Jews dress up in costumes and often perform plays which retell the story of Purim. In Israel, for example, Purim is observed by the holding of the Adloyada festival in Tel Aviv.

Celebrate Purim Party Invitations and Postage

Party Invitations

Purim Carnival Party Invitation

Purim Party Favors

Celebrate Purim with Purim Candy Torahs

Voted Best Purim Party Favors 2020

A nice addition to any Purim Basket, three-packs of CandyTorahs are adorable and affordable. Parents give them to their children. Teachers can give them to their students. Rabbis can keep them in their pockets and light-up little faces by handing them out around the synagogue. And at your Purim Carnival, they make cute prizes for all the different Purim games! CandyTorahs are a memorable, adorable and Jewish way to mark the occasion. Party Idea Pros loves these favors — their unique appeal is guaranteed to please!

Purim Candy Molds | Handmade Belgian Dark Chocolate Mask Pop (Parve) |Mini Hamantashen Favor Bag

Celebrate Purim with Costumes and Accessories

Costumes

Girls Shabbas Queen Costume | Adult Queen Esther Costume | King's Robe

Women’s 1920s Flapper Costume | Renaissance Queen Adult Costume | Blue Princess Renaissance Costume

Queen Esther Girls Purim Costumes

Purim Costume Accessories

Purim Masks Set | Jeweled Purim Crown

Masks

Purim T-Shirts and Hats

For the less dramatic –those who wish to get into the Purim spirit but prefer not to wear a full blown costume!

Purim Apparel

Buttons

Purim Home and Party Decor

Celebrate Purim Centerpieces

Maribou Feather Puff Purim Centerpiece >> Add Masks and/or Graggers

Purim Plates, Trays and Bowls

Purim Plates & Napkins >> Ceramic, Melamine & Paper

Haman and Mordecai Tray Serving Platters | Esther Denouncing Haman Serving Tray

Celebrate Purim with Purim-Themed Paper Goods

Purim Paperware Value Pack | Happy Purim Plates

Purim Servers, Cookie Cutters & More

Cookie Cutters | Server – Stainless Steel | Cookie Cutters – Stainless Steel | Purim Candy Molds

Cutting Boards

Purim Graggers and Noisemakers

Graggers

Purim Food – Shalach Manot

Mishloach Manot

courtesy of aJudaica.com

During Purim one is obliged to send a gift which consists of at least two ‘portions' to another person. This Mitzvah includes both men and women.

Only items which are considered edible or drinkable, without further cooking or preparation, is considered a ‘portion.' One may therefore send cooked meats or fish, pastry goods, fruit, sweets, wine and other beverages. And it is the more praiseworthy to send portions to as many friends as possible. Even better, however, is to give more gifts to the poor than to friends.

One of the most popular food items that has been used for this Mitzvah is the Hamentash, triangular shaped dough concoction stuffed with various fillings.

Even a poor person is required to fulfill the Mitzvah of ‘Mishloach Manot.' If one is unable to do so directly, he may exchange his own food for that of his friend; both of whom would thus fulfill their obligations.

Food & Beverages ONLY!

The Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot may not be fulfilled with money, clothing or anything other than foods or beverages.

It is proper to send portions sufficient to convey regard for the recipient.

If at all possible, these ‘portions' should be sent by messengers, rather than delivered personally. And though it is said of all other mitzvot: ‘It is more of a Mitzvah if done personally, than if done through a messenger,' this Mitzvah is different. Since the term, ‘Mishloach Manot' (the sending of portions), is the term used in the ‘Megillah' the proper procedure for fulfilling the Mitzvah, is to do so by messenger. Nevertheless, if one delivers his Mishloach Manot personally, he still fulfills his obligation.

The Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot should be performed during the day rather than evening.

A mourner is free of the obligation, but some hold that it rests even upon him, except that one in mourning should not send gifts which would be a source of rejoicing.

The Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot and the giving of gifts to the poor, during the days of Purim, are prescribed in order to recall the brotherly love which Mordechai and Esther awoke among all Jews. When there is inner unity among Jews, even the wrongdoers among them become righteous.