Purim

Purim marks the Jews' narrow escape from genocide as described in the biblical Book of Esther.

On Purim we read the megillah (Book of Esther) and celebrate by wearing costumes, eating hamentaschen (triangular cookies named after the villain Haman), and using (groggers) noisemakers. Traditionally, we also give money to the poor and send mishloach manot (goodie packages) to friends.