The Jewish holiday of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). Purim 2026 begins on Monday night, March 2 and continues until Tuesday, March 3 (extending through Wednesday in Jerusalem).
It commemorates the (Divinely orchestrated) salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire from the plot by the Prime Minister, Haman, "to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day. Purim is considered a happy celebration when Jews all over the world celebrate the day when their ancestors rested from the war against their enemies.
Literally meaning "lots" in ancient Persian, Purim was thus named since Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his diabolical scheme. Haman captured the Jewish leader Mordecai and planning to hang him, took him before the King dressed in the King's clothes. Through the intercession of angels and Queen Ester, both Mordecai and the Jews were saved.
Haman's edict catalyzed a spiritual revival among the Jews even as they were scattered among the Persian people and immersed in their culture.
As the day that celebrates the salvation of the physical existence of the Jewish people, Purim is the most physical of the festivals. Its observances include giving money to the poor, sending food portions to friends, and eating a sumptuous meal accompanied by plenty of drinks during the closing hours of the festival.
Hamantashen (a triangular pastry with poppy seed filling) and kreplach (boiled or fried pockets of dough stuffed with either meat or chicken, usually served in chicken soup). The fillings hidden inside both confections allude to the hidden nature of the Purim miracle. On a lighter note, the three-pointed hamantashen are said to evoke Haman's three-pointed hat or his triangular ears.
The proper greeting on this holiday is "Happy Purim".