PURIM (from pûr "lot": Esth. 9:26). - A semi-feast celebrated by the Jews on the 14th of the month of 'ādhār in memory of Israel's deliverance from the snares of Haman (v.).

At the conclusion of the Fast of Esther, on the 13th of 'ādhār, the scroll (mēghillāh) of Esther is read in the synagogue; this reading is repeated during the morning service of the 14th. The readings are accompanied by a traditional chant. Women and children too must attend the reading, which may take place wherever there are 10 men of religious age. The reading is preceded and followed by special blessings.

The exchange of gifts among friends and relatives and generous gifts for the poor characterize the semi-feast of P., which is moreover a nearly working day. Before sunset on the 14th the festive banquet begins and continues until late in the evening, since the 15th also has a semi-festive character. The boys amuse themselves by consigning an effigy of Haman to the flames. The young perform in families comedies reproducing the content of the book of Esther. The day of the 15th of 'ādhār is called "P. of Susa."

Bibliography3 works

BIBL.: I. Elbogen, Der jüdische Gottesdienst, 3rd ed., see index; M. Zobel, Das Jahr der Juden in Brauch und Liturgie, Berlin 1936, pp. 146-56; J. Schildenberger, Das Buch Esther, Bonn 1941, pp. 33-36.

Eugenio Zolli

@incollection{ec10_purim_da_pur_sorte_esth_9_26, author = {Zolli, Eugenio}, title = {PŪRĪM (Da Pûr « Sorte »: Esth. 9, 26)}, booktitle = {Enciclopedia Cattolica}, volume = {X}, pages = {349}, note = {Cited by column}, publisher = {Ente per l’Enciclopedia Cattolica e per il Libro Cattolico}, address = {Città del Vaticano}, year = {1953}, url = {https://azioneromana.com/article/purim-da-pur-sorte-esth-9-26} }

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Pūrīm (from Pûr «lot»: Esther 9, 26)

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