WATCH: Purim explained: Israel's most joyous holiday

Discover the rich traditions and deep significance of Purim in this comprehensive guide. Learn why Jews worldwide dress in costumes, the four commandments of the holiday, and how this ancient story of survival continues to resonate in modern Israel. From the Megillah reading to eating hamantaschen, explore how a historical deliverance from genocide transformed into one of Judaism's most colorful and meaningful celebrations.

Click on the video above to watch or read the transcript below.

Shalom, I'm Kayla Sprague, and welcome to ALL ISRAEL 101, where we explore the rich traditions and significance of Israel's holidays and culture. Today, we're diving into one of Judaism's most joyous celebrations – Purim.

Purim commemorates a pivotal moment in Jewish history – the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people from annihilation in ancient Persia. Around the 5th century B.C., the story, recorded in the biblical Book of Esther, tells how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai courageously foiled the genocidal plot of Haman, the king's advisor, who sought to destroy all Jews in the Persian Empire.

What makes the Purim story particularly fascinating is it's one of the few biblical books where God is not explicitly mentioned. Yet divine providence is seen working behind the scenes – a theme reflected in the very name "Esther," which is related to the Hebrew word for "hidden." The idea of concealment runs through many Purim traditions, most visibly in the custom of wearing costumes.

So why do people dress up on Purim? There are several beautiful meanings behind this tradition. First, it represents how God's hand was disguised in the Purim story – working through seemingly random events and human courage behind the scenes. Second, it recalls how Esther initially concealed her Jewish identity until the critical moment when revealing it would save her people. Third, it embodies the topsy-turvy nature of the holiday, where everything was reversed – "v'nahafoch hu" in Hebrew – as sorrow turned to joy and death threats to a celebration.

In Israel, Purim takes on special vibrancy. Walk through the streets of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv during this holiday, and you'll witness an atmosphere similar to a carnival. Children and adults alike dressed as Queen Esther, Mordechai, superheroes, or creative costumes of all kinds. The whole country transforms into a colorful celebration of survival and joy.

The holiday is observed through four main mitzvot or commandments:

First, the Megillah reading – where the Book of Esther is recited in synagogues. Uniquely, whenever the villain Haman's name is mentioned, people stamp their feet and use noisemakers called "groggers," and create a ruckus to symbolically blot out his memory.

Second, the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot – sending gift baskets of food and drink to friends and family, strengthening community bonds.

Third, Matanot La'evyonim – giving charity to the poor, ensuring everyone can participate in the festivities.

Fourth, the Purim Seudah – a festive meal where traditional foods like hamantaschen (triangle-shaped pastries said to represent Haman's hat or ears) are enjoyed.

There's also a unique custom of drinking wine until one cannot distinguish between "cursed is Haman" and "blessed is Mordechai" – though modern observance often emphasizes the spirit of joy rather than excess.

In Israel, Purim is celebrated on different days depending on location. Most cities celebrate on the 14th of Adar (the Hebrew month when Purim falls), but Jerusalem and other cities that were walled during Joshua's time celebrate Shushan Purim on the 15th of Adar.

What's particularly meaningful about Purim in modern Israel is how it connects ancient history to contemporary reality. The holiday's theme of Jewish survival against those who seek to destroy the Jewish people resonates deeply in a nation that has faced existential threats throughout its modern history. Haman's plot in ancient Persia echoes threats Israel continues to face today, giving the celebration layers of significance beyond its historical origins.

From a security perspective, Purim presents unique challenges. The large public gatherings, parades known as "Adloyadas," and the custom of costume-wearing require special attention from security forces. The Israel Police typically deploy thousands of officers around synagogues, at public celebrations and throughout sensitive areas like Jerusalem's Old City. In recent years, security officials have even recommended that every synagogue has at least one armed guard present during Purim observances.

Yet, despite these security considerations, the spirit of Purim prevails – a testament to the resilience that has characterized Jewish life for millennia. The holiday reminds us that even in times of concealment and uncertainty, deliverance can emerge from unexpected places.

As we witness this beautiful tradition of costume-wearing, festive meals, and community generosity, we're reminded of Purim's enduring message – that joy and courage can triumph over hatred, and that what appears to be coincidence may be providence at work.

Thank you for joining us for this ALL ISRAEL 101. For more insights into Israel's rich cultural and religious traditions, please subscribe to our channel and visit us at allisrael.com. I'm Kayla Sprague, and we'll see you next time.