The Purim Story
In which ancient kingdom does the Purim story take place?
The Persian Empire (Persia)
Who is the Jewish heroine who saved her people in the Purim story?
Esther
What is the name of the Purim story scroll that is read aloud in synagogue?
The Megillah (Megillat Esther)
What is the name of the triangular pastry eaten on Purim, filled with poppy seeds, jam or chocolate?
Hamantaschen
True or false: Purim is one of the most joyful and fun holidays in the Jewish calendar.
True — it is celebrated with costumes, parties, gifts, and feasting!
What was the name of the evil man who wanted to destroy all the Jewish people?
Haman
What was Esther's relationship to Mordecai?
She was his cousin (he raised her like a daughter after her parents died)
Why do people make noise with graggers (noisemakers) during the Megillah reading?
To drown out the name of Haman every time it is mentioned
Why are hamantaschen shaped like triangles? Name one theory.
They represent Haman's three-cornered hat / his ears / his pockets
What month of the Hebrew calendar does Purim fall in?
Adar (the 14th of Adar)
What did Haman convince King Ahasuerus to do to the Jewish people?
Destroy / kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire
What did Mordecai refuse to do that made Haman furious?
He refused to bow down to Haman
What are the triangle-shaped gifts of food that are given to friends and family on Purim called?
Mishloach manot (also called shalach manos)
What is special about the big festive meal eaten on Purim afternoon?
It is a joyful celebration called the Purim seudah, with food, drink, singing and being merry with family and friends
What does the word 'Purim' mean in Hebrew?
Lots (as in casting lots / random drawing)
How did Haman choose the date for his terrible plan? What method did he use?
He cast lots (called purim in Hebrew) — a kind of random drawing or dice
Who was the first queen that King Ahasuerus replaced with Esther?
Queen Vashti
On Purim, Jews are commanded to give tzedakah to a specific group of people. What is that group?
We give tzedakah to the poor / to those who don't have enough
Why do people dress up in costumes on Purim?
To celebrate the hidden miracle — God's name is hidden in the Megillah and Esther hid her Jewish identity; also to add joy to the celebration
In what Jewish text is the Purim story found?
The Book of Esther (Megillat Esther)
What happened to Haman at the end of the Purim story?
He was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai
What brave thing did Esther do to save her people, even though it put her life at risk?
She went to see King Ahasuerus uninvited and revealed Haman's plot, asking the king to save the Jews
Name all FOUR special mitzvot (commandments) that Jews perform on Purim.
1. Hearing the Megillah, 2. Mishloach manot (food gifts), 3. Matanot la-evyonim (charity to the poor), 4. Eating a festive Purim meal (seudah)
What is a Purim shpiel?
A funny play or skit performed on Purim, usually retelling or making fun of the Purim story
Is God's name mentioned anywhere in the Book of Esther?
No — the Book of Esther is unique in the Bible because God's name does not appear, yet Jews see God's hidden hand in the story