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Purim
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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man and several children in festive costumes walk together on a street in Mea Shearim, Jerusalem, during the Purim holiday.
Understanding the story of Purim
Esther preparing herself before visiting the king Esther confronting her husband Engraving showing Haman kneeling and pleading before Queen Esther, who is seated on a couch, while King Ahasuerus stands nearby making a dismissive gesture. Two black and white engravings: the top scene shows Mordecai being honored in a crowded city square in Babylon, while the lower scene depicts the execution of Haman before a group of onlookers. Engraving by Gustave Dore showing Esther standing and pointing at Haman before King Ahasuerus, who sits at a table in a grand hall with columns. Hanging Haman Esther scroll Older man wearing a red hat celebrates Purim by holding a wooden noisemaker and reading from a book, surrounded by others in festive attire.
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Purim: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • Charles Preston
    Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica.
  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Modified link of Web site: The YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe - Purim. Aug 17, 2026
Add new Web site: NPR - Purim — a festive Jewish holiday with an ending often ignored. Jan 16, 2026
Media added. Sep 19, 2025
Added details of the Book of Esther and expanded discussion of festivities and practices. Aug 26, 2025
Add new Web site: Harvard University - The Pluralism Project - Purim. Aug 21, 2025
Add new Web site: ABC listen - The Spirit of Things - The Year of Festivals: Lent and Purim. Apr 25, 2025
Add new Web site: Reform Judaism - Purim. Feb 27, 2025
Media added. Feb 09, 2024
Add new Web site: IndiaNetzone - Purim Festival. Dec 07, 2023
Add new Web site: Academia - Feast of Purim God’s Silent and Surprising Deliverance - The Gospel Coalition (PDF). Oct 13, 2023
Add new Web site: McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia - Purim. Aug 28, 2023
Added cross-reference. May 15, 2023
Definition of “hamantaschen” revised. Mar 21, 2022
Date of holiday added. Jan 17, 2022
Add new Web site: ReligionFacts - Purim. Aug 25, 2021
Add new Web site: Learn Religions - The Story of Purim. Aug 25, 2021
Corrected display issue. Feb 26, 2021
Media added. Feb 23, 2018
Add new Web site: PBS LearningMedia - Purim. Feb 19, 2017
Add new Web site: The Catholic Encyclopedia - Purim. Apr 25, 2014
Add new Web site: Christian Classics Ethereal Library - Biography of Purim. Apr 25, 2014
Add new Web site: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Holocaust Encyclopedia - Purim. Apr 25, 2014
Add new Web site: The YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe - Purim. Apr 25, 2014
Add new Web site: JewishEncyclopedia.com - Purim. Apr 25, 2014
Added new Web site: Akhlah: The Jewish Children's learning Network - Purim. Jul 18, 2008
Added new Web site: Judaism 101 - Purim. May 13, 2008
Added new Web site: Union for Reform Judaism - Purim. May 13, 2008
Added new Web site: British Broadcasting Corporation - Purim. May 13, 2008
Added new Web site: Jewish Virtual Library - Purim. May 13, 2008
Added new Web site: MyJewishLearning - Purim. May 13, 2008
Article revised. Oct 23, 1998
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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