Purim

2,500 years in the making: Are the Jews once again turning the tables on Iran?

On the 23rd day of the Hebrew month of Sivan, Queen Esther is said to have allowed the Jews of Persia to fight back against extinction. Has Israel done the same today with Iran?

 An AI-generated illustrative image of US President Donald Trump being handed a parchment from the biblical Queen Esther as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hovering in the background.
 Departure of the Israelites 'Departure of the Israelites' by David Roberts, 1829.

Purim-Passover connection: Uniting the Jews, then building a nation - opinion

 The reading of the ‘Megillah.’

Purim celebrations: Deliverance, customs, and controversies - opinion

 Esther and Mordechai writing the second letter of Purim, painted by Arent de Gelder.

Purim's unacceptable mask: The powerful themes of revenge, evil, and free will


When the world turns upside down, rabbis can help us keep our heads on straight - opinion

In uncertain times, rabbis provide guidance, connection, and resilience—helping Jewish communities navigate chaos, identity, and moral challenges.

 An illustration of a cardboard box with 'this end up' and two arrows pointing downwards.

Purim costumes come off, the pain of abuse lasts a lifetime - opinion

It’s time to stop making excuses. It’s time to remove the costumes. And most importantly, it’s time to stand with the victims of abuse.

An illustrative image of a child at a window.

Mordechai's leadership lessons: True strength lies in standing together - opinion

As we celebrate Purim this year, we should embrace both the joy and the responsibility that come with it.

 A LARGE sign at the Azrieli Center in Tel Aviv reads: ‘Together we will prevail.’

Purim joy comes early as Beit Issie Shapiro visits the President’s Residence

Purim joy comes early as Beit Issie Shapiro visits the President’s Residence with children and families.

 Isaac and Michal Herzog celebrate Purim with children from Beit Issie Shapiro on March 11, 2025.

ALEH and El Al team up for an unforgettable Purim for disabled children

ALEH’s campus in Bnei Brak was transformed into a lively airport terminal, where children dressed as pilots and flight attendants for a day of imagination.

 ALEH and EL AL teamed up to transform a campus into a lively terminal.

Purim repeats: A modern tale of success and jealousy

Megillat Esther.

Jewish people must unmask themselves and combat distorting narratives - opinion

Jews and their state are portrayed in the most vicious light, ignoring both the ongoing existential threats that Israel faces and its readiness to live in peace and prosperity with its Arab citizens.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog speaks during a ceremony marking the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, at the United Nations headquartes in New York City, January 27,

Role reversal, effigy burning, and cultural syncretism: Purim in Cochin

The unique Purim traditions of Cochini Jews have slowly faded from memory following their arrival in Israel and integration with the wider Jewish community.

 Cochin Jews at the 450th year celebration of the Paradesi synagogue, December 2017.

The happiness formula: How Esther transformed celebration forever

Purim’s costumes hold a deeper lesson—seeing beyond disguises to the true essence of people, just as in the Megillah.

 Israelis take part in the Jewish holiday of Purim parade (Adloyada), in Jerusalem, March 25, 2024

Purim parades: Israeli cities gear up to celebrate holiday tradition

The tradition shows no signs of letting up as municipalities up and down the country gear up for some outdoor urban frolics. 

 Israelis take part in the Jewish holiday of Purim parade (Adloyada), in Jerusalem, March 25, 2024