Purim 2018
Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar (and the 15th in walled cities like Jerusalem). It commemorates the salvation of the Jews of Persia through Mordecai and Esther, as told in the Book of Esther.
Halachic Framework
Purim is a rabbinic holiday instituted by the Sages. Unlike biblical festivals, ordinary work (melachah) is permitted, though it is customary not to engage in mundane labor:
- Prayer additions: Al HaNissim ("For the Miracles") is added to the Amidah and Grace After Meals; Hallel is recited during the morning service.
- No fasting or eulogies: Fasting and eulogies are prohibited, underlining the holiday's joyful character.
- Tachanun: The penitential prayer is omitted throughout the holiday.
Customs & Observances
- Reading the Megillah (Book of Esther) — twice, evening and morning
- Mishloach Manot — sending food gifts to friends
- Matanot L'Evyonim — giving charity to the poor
- Festive Purim meal (Seudah)
- The four mitzvot: Megillah, Mishloach Manot, Matanot L'Evyonim, Seudah
Greetings & Blessings for Purim
Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Purim:
- Happy Purim — the standard greeting
- Chag Purim Sameach — "A joyous Purim holiday"
- Purim Sameach — "A joyous Purim"
בעברית:
- פורים שמח
- חג פורים שמח
- פורים שמח ושמח
About Purim
Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar (and the 15th in walled cities like Jerusalem). It commemorates the salvation of the Jews of Persia through Mordecai and Esther, as told in the Book of Esther.
Also known as: Feast of Lots
Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the date shown and conclude at nightfall (when three medium stars are visible) on the final day. In the Diaspora, major Torah festivals are observed for two days (Yom Tov Sheni shel Galuyot), while in Israel they are observed for one day.
Purim in Upcoming Years
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2019 | March 20, 2019 |
| 2020 | March 9, 2020 |
| 2021 | February 25, 2021 |
| 2022 | March 16, 2022 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Purim 2018?
Purim 2018 begins at sunset on February 28, 2018 (Hebrew date: 13 Adar 5778). All Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before the date listed.
What is Purim?
Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar (and the 15th in walled cities like Jerusalem). It commemorates the salvation of the Jews of Persia through Mordecai and Esther, as told in the Book of Esther.
How are Purim dates determined?
Purim falls on a fixed date in the Hebrew (lunisolar) calendar each year. Because the Hebrew calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, the corresponding Gregorian date shifts annually. The dates on this page are calculated algorithmically — no manual updates needed.