The Feast of Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jews in Persia from the destruction devised by Haman. It fell on the 14th and 15th of Adar, or March. The word Purim signifies "lots" because Haman had cast lots to determine the day on which to execute all Jews in the Persian empire.
But the Jews in Persia were not executed. Haman was hanged on his own gallows. (See related article on this page.)The Deseret News carried a Knight-Ridder Newspaper feature by Tracy Allerton on March 2, 1996, about the Feast of Purim. Here is a brief excerpt:
"On the 15th of Adar, the day after Haman got his just rewards all those centuries ago, Jews throughout the land celebrated with feasts, songs, prayers of thanksgiving, gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.
"So it goes today.
"On Purim . . . Jews attend services in the synagogue, where the story of Esther is read from a special scroll - called a megillah.
"During the reading, whenever Haman is mentioned, his name is blotted out by noisemakers, jeers and foot-stomping from the congregation.
"There also are costumed pageants and plays, dances and carnivals."
The Knight-Ridder feature quoted leaders of different Jewish congregations who explained the importance of celebrating Purim each year. One described the Feast of Purim as "a fun way for families to get together and have a good time" while also preserving the story of Esther. "That's the nature of all Purim festivities: part thanksgiving, part remembering, part merrymaking."
