Purim, or the Feast of Lots, is a joyous holiday that recounts the saving of the
Jews from a threatened massacre during the Persian period (539-330 BCE). The
story of Purim is recounted in the Book of Esther, whose eponymous heroine plays
the leading role in saving her people. The holiday is traditionally celebrated
with wild abandon and with the giving of gifts to friends and the poor.
History
History
While the origins of Purim appear clear from the
Book of Esther, historians have looked in vain for any sort of extra-biblical
corroboration of the events of the story. Be that as it may, it is a tale that
purports to take place during a time when many Jews were living in Persia. A
young Jewish woman, Esther, rises to be Queen of Persia under the tutelage of
her guardian Mordecai. All, however, is not right. The Jews have enemies, and a
certain Haman, the grand vizier, plots the Jews' destruction. Even though Esther
has hidden her Jewish identity from all, Mordecai prevails on her to risk her
life by revealing her true identity to the king. She does this and denounces the
evil Haman's plot. At the end of the story, the Jews are able to turn the tables
on their enemies, who are then punished in place of the intended victims. This
story is one of the most beloved in the Jewish community, because of the hope
that it gives a minority living in an oftentimes hostile majority culture.
In Masekhet Megillah (scroll), the Talmudic tractate devoted to Purim observances, Rabbi Akiva declares the Book of Esther to be divinely inspired. Some commentators believe this eventually led to the inclusion of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, despite the omission of God from the book. The Greek versions of Esther contain a number of additions--including God's name--not found in the Hebrew story.
At Home
In distinction to various other holidays, such as
Pesach (Passover), Purim is the quintessential community holiday. Nonetheless,
there are a number of activities that are centered in the home. One of the
favorite activities in preparation for the holiday is the baking of
hamantaschen, the triangular filled pastries that are the traditional food at
Purim time. In addition, following the commandment to give gifts to friends and
the poor, the preparation of so-called mishloah manot baskets is a fun activity
to engage in, as is their distribution on the holiday. The centerpiece of
Purim's home celebration is the seudah, a festive meal accompanied by alcoholic
beverages.
In Masekhet Megillah (scroll), the Talmudic tractate devoted to Purim observances, Rabbi Akiva declares the Book of Esther to be divinely inspired. Some commentators believe this eventually led to the inclusion of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, despite the omission of God from the book. The Greek versions of Esther contain a number of additions--including God's name--not found in the Hebrew story.
At Home
In distinction to various other holidays, such as
Pesach (Passover), Purim is the quintessential community holiday. Nonetheless,
there are a number of activities that are centered in the home. One of the
favorite activities in preparation for the holiday is the baking of
hamantaschen, the triangular filled pastries that are the traditional food at
Purim time. In addition, following the commandment to give gifts to friends and
the poor, the preparation of so-called mishloah manot baskets is a fun activity
to engage in, as is their distribution on the holiday. The centerpiece of
Purim's home celebration is the seudah, a festive meal accompanied by alcoholic
beverages.
In the Community
Purim is a community holiday of joyful celebration. The centerpiece of the communal celebration is the reading of the Scroll of Esther, the Megillah, in the synagogue. This is a raucous affair, with whoops, hollers, and noise being made every time that Haman's name is mentioned, so no one can hear the name of this horrible evildoer. Another tradition is the Purim shpiel, the Purim play, during which fun is poked at community leaders and members. Purim has often been called the Jewish carnival, and dressing in costume and taking part in a Purim carnival heighten the levity of thepurim quiz day, on which one is encouraged to engage in activities that at other times of the year would be somewhat more restricted in scope, such as drinking.
Purim is a community holiday of joyful celebration. The centerpiece of the communal celebration is the reading of the Scroll of Esther, the Megillah, in the synagogue. This is a raucous affair, with whoops, hollers, and noise being made every time that Haman's name is mentioned, so no one can hear the name of this horrible evildoer. Another tradition is the Purim shpiel, the Purim play, during which fun is poked at community leaders and members. Purim has often been called the Jewish carnival, and dressing in costume and taking part in a Purim carnival heighten the levity of thepurim quiz day, on which one is encouraged to engage in activities that at other times of the year would be somewhat more restricted in scope, such as drinking.
Tu B’Shevat (Tu Bishvat) is the 15th day of the Jewish
months of Shevat. This festival is also known as the “New Year for Trees” and is
observed in Jewish communities in countries such as the United States. 
and having a Tu Bishvat Seder, a ritual that began with
the kabbalistic masters of the 15th century.
Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish
calendar—celebrated this year on Shabbat, January 26, 2013—is the day that marks
the beginning of a “New Year for Trees.” This is the season in which the
earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and
begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.