Purim

Purim History

Purim (Hebrew: פּוּרִים) is a Jewish festival observed globally to celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them, as recorded in the biblical Book of Esther. The festivity includes several key aspects like public readings of the Book of Esther, offering charitable gifts, sharing festive meals, and dressing in costumes. The observance also has a unique element known as "Matanot LaEvyonim", which means gifts for the poor. This is done to ensure that everyone has the means to partake in the feast.

The origins of Purim date back to ancient Persia, as narrated in the Book of Esther, highlighting Jewish Queen Esther's role in the Jewish people's liberation. For Canadians, Purim places great emphasis on unity, charity, and joyfulness, reflecting the country's multicultural ethos. Purim's festive and charitable spirit resonates with Canadians, leading to vibrant community celebrations, with charitable organizations working to ensure all individuals can partake in Purim's joy.

In Canada, Purim is observed similarly to how it is worldwide, with synagogues becoming the centre of celebrations. Performing the Book of Esther aloud, Canadian Jews engage in the tradition of blotting out the name of Haman, the story's antagonist, with noise makers or "Graggers". Purim parties, Purim plays, and carnivals are popular among the younger generation. There is often a focus on charitable efforts as part of the observance, reflecting Canada's strong commitment to aiding those less fortunate. The celebration typically occurs in late February or early March, aligned with the 14th day in the Jewish calendar month of Adar. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance begins at sundown on the day before.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 Purim in Canada

• The upcoming observance of Purim is a vibrant festival commemorating the survival of the Jewish people in ancient Persia after a plot by the villain Haman was thwarted by the courage of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai.
• Central to the festivities is the public reading of the Megillat Esther, a scroll that recounts the miraculous events of the story and serves as the primary religious obligation of the holiday.
• A distinctive and noisy tradition involves using handheld noisemakers called graggers to drown out the name of Haman whenever it is mentioned during the recitation of the scroll.
• The holiday is famously associated with the consumption of hamantaschen, which are triangular, filled pastries said to represent the three-cornered hat or the "pockets" of the story's antagonist.
• Community celebrations often feature theatrical performances known as Purim spiels, which are humorous skits or parodies that frequently incorporate modern Canadian pop culture and political satire.
• The theme of Hidden Providence is a major spiritual element of the day, reflected in the custom of wearing elaborate costumes and masks to symbolize that the presence of the divine is often concealed within historical events.
• Charitable giving is a core requirement of the observance, with individuals mandated to perform Matanot La’evyonim by giving to at least two people in need, and exchanging Mishloach Manot, which are gift baskets containing ready-to-eat food and drinks.
• Purim has a deep historical presence in Canada, having been celebrated since the establishment of the country’s first Jewish congregation in Montreal in 1768.
• The festival also includes a celebratory feast known as the Seudah, where it is customary to drink wine and enjoy a joyous atmosphere that has led some to describe the holiday as a "Jewish Mardi Gras."

In the News and Trending in Canada for Purim

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Toronto: This centre organises a variety of Purim activities such as costume parties, carnivals, and Purim plays (also known as Purimspiels). Children can engage in arts and crafts related to the holiday. The community centre also bakes traditional hamentaschen cookies.
• Read a book to learn more about Purim in Canada:
  The Jewish Holiday Kitchen: 250 Recipes from Around the World to Make Your Celebrations Special - by Joan Nathan
  A Treasury of Jewish Holidays: History, Legends, Traditions - by Hyman E. Goldin