Purim is the festival which commemorates the breathtaking victory over the murderous designs of Haman. Observed on the fourteenth of Adar, this joyous festival reveals the hidden Hand of G-d in the events of man. It is a day to be celebrated by the entire family-not only adults and boys and girls past Bar/Bas Mitzvah, but youngsters too should he encouraged to fulfill the mitzvoth of Purim.

To relive the miraculous events of Purim, we listen to the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther) on Saturday night, March 6, and again on Sunday, March 7, during the daytime. When Haman's name is mentioned, we twirl 'graggers' and stamp our feet to 'drown out' his evil name. Tell the children Purim is the only time when it's a mitzvah to make noise!

On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends. Send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (for example, pastry, fruit, beverage), to at least one friend on Sunday, March 7, during the daytime. It is proper that men send to men and women to women. Sending these gifts should be done through a third party. Children, in addition to sending their own gifts of food, make enthusiastic messengers.

Concern for the needy is a year-round responsibility for the Jew. On Purim, particularly, it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor. Give charity to at least two, but preferably more, needy individuals on Sunday, March 7, during the daytime. The mitzvah is best fulfilled by giving directly to the needy. If, however, you cannot find poor people, place at least several coins into 'pushkas' (charity boxes). Even small children should fulfill this mitzvah.

As on all festivals, we celebrate Purim with a special festive meal on Sunday, March 7, during the daytime, when family and friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit.

To commemorate the day of prayer and fasting which the Jews held before their victory, we fast before Purim, Thursday, March 4, from approximately two hours before sunrise until 40 minutes after sunset.

It is a tradition to give 3 half-dollar coins to charity to commemorate the half-shekel given by each Jew in the time of the Holy Temple. This mitzvah, usually performed in the synagogue, should be done on Thursday, March 4, or Sunday, March 7, according to your custom.
 

On Purim we recite the 'Al HaNissim' liturgy in the Amidah (Silent Prayer) for evening, morning and afternoon, as well as in the Grace After Meals. In the morning service there is a special reading from the Torah Scroll in the synagogue.