The Jewish Holiday of Purim is known as one of the happiest holidays in Judaism: the holiday’s purpose is to celebrate the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from being put to death.

   As per a Holocaust encyclopedia, “According to the Jewish lunar calendar, Purim usually falls during February or March. Purim, the Hebrew word meaning lots, is named for the lots that Haman cast in order to determine the day on which he would kill the Jews. The mood of the holiday is lively and playful, celebrating the near escape from death” (encyclopedia.ushmm.org).

   Purim is always celebrated on the fourteenth and fifteenth day of the Hebrew month, Adar, as it is a two day holiday. This holiday is known as a redemption holiday and there are days of joy, feasting, and being surrounded by family and friends (encyclopedia.ushmm.org).

   “Feasting and rejoicing are central components of the holiday. Hamantaschen, triangular cookies filled with fruit spread or chocolate, are one of the best known foods associated with Purim. The tri-corner shape of the cookies is said to represent Haman’s hat” (encyclopedia.ushmm.org).

   By dressing up in a costume, most often as characters from the story of Purim, an act of rejoicing is made. Jews dress up to scare away the evil spirits. Additionally, the act of dressing up emphasizes the reversals and deceptions that are illustrated throughout the story (encyclopedia.ushmm.org).

   “Other traditional Purim observances include Matanot La’evyonim (the giving of money to the poor) and Mishloach manot (the sending of portions). Sharing one’s own possessions increases the joy of the day and is specifically prescribed in the Book of Esther. This custom involves giving family and friends gifts that include at least two edible items, usually fruit or sweets, in order to help them celebrate Purim,” explains the Holocaust encyclopedia (encyclopedia.ushmm.org).

   Sophomore Maya Veinbergs, president of UC High’s Jewish Club, said, “In my family, we love to make Hamantaschen and dress up to go to the synagogue.” She added, “Purim is basically a story about how Jews overcame a bad monarchy in Persia and came out stronger and more united.”

   Chabads all over San Diego have hosted events to bring people together and celebrate the importance and joy of this holiday. Congregation Beth Israel, which is located across from UTC mall, brought back its annual Purim carnival this year, according to Congregation Beth Israel. With this popular event returning, it united the Jewish people on a different aspect. It was held on Sunday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., tickets were sold online and in person for carnival games, traditional Jewish food, and access to a bouncy house as well as a raffle.   

   Additionally, The Chabad of Tierrasanta hosted an event where there was  a costume masquerade, a Megillah reading, and foods such as Hamantaschen and kosher pizza were provided, according to Chabad of Tierrasanta. This event was held at the Tierrasanta Recreation Center on Sunday March 24 at 4 p.m.