Purim

Purim History

Purim celebrates the survival of the Jewish people during the ancient Persian Empire, as recorded in the Biblical book of Esther. This Observance holds great significance for it typically includes public feasts, charitable giving, merriment, and other joyous traditions. A central aspect is the recitation of the book of Esther, known as Megillah, typically done at synagogue.

The origins of Purim can be traced back circa 400 BCE, during the reign of Persian King Ahasuerus. The story goes that Haman, a royal official, plotted to annihilate all Jews living throughout the Persian Empire. Nevertheless, due to the intervention of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, the Jews were spared, and Haman was executed instead. For the Jewish people in Israel, Purim acts as a powerful reminder of this triumph against all odds, reinforcing themes of unity, perseverance, and pride in their resilient heritage.

In Israel, Purim is traditionally celebrated with grand carnivals, colorful costumes, and street parties radiating festive energy. During this time, it is customary for children, and sometimes adults, to don costumes, celebrating the concealment of identities that is part of the Purim tale. Delicious triangle-shaped pastries known as Hamantaschen, after Haman, are also prepared and savored during the festival. Amidst more pious rituals, like giving to the needy and participating in communal feasts, a lighter note is struck with "Purim Shpiels," humorous plays and satires. In accordance with the Hebrew calendar, Purim occurs in the month of Adar and is traditionally observed on the 14th day, mirroring the joyous aftermath of the Jews' deliverance as recounted in the Scripture. In Jerusalem, however, the Observance takes place a day later, on the 15th of Adar, a distinction stemming from its status as a city that has been walled since the time of Joshua. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance begins at sundown on the day before.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 Purim in Israel

• The Jerusalem municipality is hosting its flagship Purim parade under the theme Olam haAgadot, marking a grand revival of the tradition with giant puppets of characters like Gulliver, Pinocchio, and the Pied Piper of Hamelin marching along Ruppin Boulevard.
• A viral confectionery collaboration between Sweetweet and Matoko has introduced a limited-edition Hamburger Meal box, which features sweet cookies and chocolates meticulously designed to look like a savory burger, fries, and dipping sauces.
• Costume trends for the season are heavily influenced by upcoming cinematic releases, with many Israelis opting for characters from Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the anticipated Supergirl film, while family groups are frequently seen in El Al Airlines pilot and flight attendant ensembles.
• Electronic music fans are flocking to high-production events across the country, including the Zikit Purim Festival at Psagot Winery and the day-to-night Space Purim 2026 odyssey held against the historic backdrop of the Caesarea Harbor.
• Culinary experts are reporting a massive surge in searches for savory triangle pastries, particularly Pizza-Stuffed Hamantaschen and variations filled with pulled brisket, as a modern twist on the traditional sweet mohn filling.
• The Jerusalem celebration continues with the United Purim parade and the legendary street party on Nissim Bachar Street, which is expected to draw thousands for its open-air DJ sets and multi-cultural atmosphere.
• To honor the Persian origins of the holiday, many Israeli households are incorporating tahdig, a crispy double-baked rice dish, into their festive Seudah meals.
• Global travel interest in Israel has peaked this season as the Ministry of Tourism markets a curated Purim Festival Week, positioning the holiday as a world-class destination for electronic music and masquerade culture.
• Charitable giving and mishloach manot trends have taken a patriotic turn, with gift baskets often featuring products from local farmers and messages of Am Yisrael Chai to support regional communities.

In the News and Trending in Israel for Purim

Top things to do in Israel for Purim

• Make a Mishloach Manot (also known as mishloach manos or shalach manos). This is a gift of at least two kinds of food that are ready to eat. Give them out to neighbors, friends and associates.
• Make Hamantaschen cookies. These are pocket triangle shaped cookies that are often made with fruit, poppy seed or cheese filling.
• Attend the Purim Street Party: Every year in the city of Tel Aviv, a massive street party takes place to celebrate Purim. Thousands of people flock to Kikar Hamedina to enjoy live music, dancing, and of course, brilliant costumes.
• Read a book to learn more about Purim in Israel:
  Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Spring and Summer Holidays:Passover, Shavuot, The Omer, Tisha B'Av, Lag Ba'omer & Shavuot - by Paul Steinberg
  Festivals of Faith: Reflections on the Jewish Holidays - By Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm