Jewish holiday · Monday evening, March 22 – Tuesday, March 23, 2027
Purim
A joyful day of costumes, noisemakers, treats and giving, built around the story of Queen Esther.
Say it like a neighbor
Chag Purim Sameach
Say: KHAG poo-REEM sah-MAY-akh · “Happy Purim”
If that is hard to say, “Happy Purim!” is warmly received, and so is “Purim Sameach.” You will hear lots of noise on Purim, and that is on purpose.
Mar 23
Tap to hear the story of Purim, one chapter at a time, and make some noise along the way.
When is Purim? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Main day
Purim is on 14 Adar, the day before the full moon. The Jewish year 5787 has a leap month (Adar II), which is why Purim falls later than usual this year. Jewish days begin at sundown, so the festival begins on the evening of Monday, March 22. In walled cities like Jerusalem, Purim is observed on the next day.
What is Purim and what does it mean?
Purim celebrates the rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them, as told in the Book of Esther, which Jews call the Megillah. It is one of the most joyful days of the Jewish year.
In the story, Haman, an adviser to the king, plots to destroy all the Jews of the kingdom. Queen Esther, who had kept her Jewish identity private, and her cousin Mordechai step forward, and the plot is turned around. The name Purim comes from “pur,” the lots that Haman cast to choose the day.
Good to know: the name of God never appears in the Book of Esther. The story is told through ordinary events, and Purim invites people to see hidden hands at work and to act with courage when it matters.
How is Purim celebrated? Customs and traditions
The Fast of Esther
The day before Purim, many observant adults fast from dawn until after dark, remembering the fast that Esther and the Jews kept before she approached the king.
Reading the Megillah
The Book of Esther is read aloud twice, once on Purim night and again the next morning. Listeners try to hear every word.
Boos and groggers
Whenever Haman’s name is read, people stamp their feet, boo and spin noisemakers called groggers, to “blot out” his name. Bring one, or expect to be handed one.
Costumes
Dressing up is a beloved custom, for children and adults. The story is about things hidden and revealed, and costumes echo that. People dress as characters from the story, as superheroes, or as anything else.
Mishloach manot
Everyone sends baskets of food and drink to friends and neighbors. The basic custom is at least two different ready-to-eat foods for at least one person.
Matanot la’evyonim
Gifts to the poor are a core Purim practice. Each person gives to at least two people in need, usually as a donation of money or food.
The festive meal and hamantaschen
The day ends with a joyful meal in the afternoon. The best-known treat is hamantaschen, triangle-shaped cookies filled with poppy seed, prune, apricot or chocolate. Some say they recall Haman’s hat, others his pockets or ears.
Being a good neighbor at Purim
Tap each one as you go.
Purim in Houston: how neighbors can take part
Purim events at congregations across Houston
Houston’s Jewish community includes Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Chabad and unaffiliated families, and almost every congregation marks Purim.
Expect a Megillah reading on Purim night and again the next morning, plus carnivals, costume parties and Purim spiels (funny retellings of the story) for children and families. In past years, congregations such as Temple Sinai and the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism have held Purim events, and Chabad of Uptown posts its Purim times each year. Many welcome guests, so call ahead.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston keeps a community calendar. The 2027 Purim schedules had not been posted when we checked.
Purim events in Houston
Every congregation sets its own times and some events need tickets or sign-ups. Please check the synagogue or Chabad website, or call. Many welcome visitors.
Questions neighbors ask about Purim
When is Purim 2027?
Purim begins at sundown on Monday, March 22, 2027, and the day of Purim is Tuesday, March 23.
What do you say on Purim?
“Chag Purim Sameach,” or “Happy Purim,” is the usual greeting.
What are the customs of Purim?
People hear the story of Esther read aloud and make noise at the name of Haman. They also wear costumes, send gift baskets of food, give to the poor and share a festive meal, often with triangle cookies called hamantaschen.
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