— SACRED TIME —

Purim

March 3 · Judaism · Monotheisms

Moveable date

Esoteric and historical meaning

Overturned salvation: in the Book of Esther the name of God never appears, providence acts hidden in chance (pur = lot). Festival of the concealed face.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Reading the Megillah while drowning out Haman's name with noise
·Dressing up in costumes
·Sending gifts of food (mishloach manot) and gifts to the poor

Traditional foods

·Hamantaschen (Haman's ears)
·Wine in abundance

Offerings

·Two portions of food to another person
·Money to two poor people

Taboos to respect

·Do not neglect gifts to the poor

Associated symbols

Mask · Lots · Megillah