The Jewish holiday of Purim

Jerusalem - February 24, in the evening)

Purim, the 14th and 15th of Adar in memory of

the rescue of Jews from complete destruction during the time of King Ahasuerus, who ruled a vast Persian Empire. Dignitary of the king Aman plotted to kill all the Jews and cast lots (pur) to see when the most appropriate time. According to the word pur holiday called Purim, and all related events are described in Megillat Esther.

established by our sages, and this duty is itself also

consists of seven commandments. Here they are:

• 1. reading of Megillat Esther
• 2. "Mishloach manot"
• 3. "Gifts to the poor"
• 4. reading of the Torah,
• 5. utterance insert "Al Anisim" in "Shmone-esre" and "Birkat gamazon"

• 6. merry feast
• 7. prohibition of mourning and fasting.

also the purely material, as if intended to announce to

the whole world: here, we live, eat, drink and have fun! And "mishloach manot" (sharing dishes with friends and family) and "gifts to the poor" shows that an integral part of our lives - is caring for others. Purim fun - as a kind of demonstration of vitality of the Jewish people, and this is a demonstration in front of the heirs Amann, all those who would like to continue his dirty work.

On Purim is customary to give gifts to the poor, to help.

around us all year, Purim was a lonely island of

reckless fun, humor and optimism characteristic of the Jewish people. Special Purim literature, comic performances with disguises and masks amusing delight the heart. Manners arose oven Purim sweet cakes filled with poppy and sweets, which for some reason are called "ears Amann." It should be noted that different communities have their own versions of Purim manners.