Okay, so what's Purim?

The festival of Purim is simply a fun holiday where many synagogues present plays about the story of Esther, some serious, some funny, but it is always a fun time.

Although Purim is not one of the commanded Appointed Times, it is important to keep in mind that it is yet another celebration that gives all the glory to YHWH, and that it does commemorate a major historical event: the deliverance of YHWH's people in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman, a story recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther.

In John 5:1 we see the event being referred to as the "feast of the Yehudeans" (or "feast of the Jews" in many English translations), and the passage even records that Messiah went to Jerusalem.

According to Wikipedia:

"Purim is celebrated annually according to the Hebrew calendar on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (Adar II in leap years), the day following the victory of the Jews over their enemies. Purim begins at sundown. In cities that were protected by a surrounding wall at the time of Joshua, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month; Everywhere else, Purim is on the 14th, while the 15th is known as Shushan Purim.

“Due to Jerusalem's importance, it celebrates Purim on the 15th despite it not having been surrounded by a wall since the time of Joshua. This is to prevent less holy cities having an advantage over Jerusalem.

"Purim is characterized by public recitation of the Scroll of Esther (keriat ha-megillah), additions to the prayers and the grace after meals (al hannisim), giving mutual gifts of food and drink (mishloach manot), giving charity to the poor (mattanot la-evyonim), and a celebratory meal (se'udat Purim); other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.

"According to the Book of Esther, Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerus planned to kill the Jews, but his plans were foiled by Mordecai and Queen Esther. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing."

In other words, the Jewish holiday "Purim" is the celebration of the story of Esther, a most joyful and fun-filled holiday where children and adults dress up in outlandish costumes, dance in the streets, and listen to an entire reading of the book of Esther, hissing and otherwise voicing their distaste with noise-makers when the name of the antagonist, Haman, is mentioned in the story.

Purim celebrates the dramatic story of Haman who attempted to annihilate the Jewish people during the time of the ancient Persian Empire, and Esther's bravery was used by God to save them.

Although, no one is quite sure how the tradition of dressings in costumes began, it is believed that it symbolizes the eternal truth that "things are not always as they seem because YHWH is always on the movie behind the scenes!” - even when He is not moving in ways we are able to recognize. (His name is not even mentioned in the entire book of Esther - but it is crystal clear that HE WAS moving!)

So, it is important to remember the truths of this holiday and look for ADONAI in every single situation, even when it seems He is not there at all. In other words, don't allow the disguises and the lies and deceit of this world fool you, as there is more going on behind the scenes than we could possibly fathom....