Purim is from sundown on February 27th until March 1st this year (it is based on the Jewish calendar). But what is Purim you wonder? I have often heard it referred to as Jewish Halloween but there is more to it than that. It is the celebration of Esther and God’s saving of the Jewish people! We are to remember this every year (Esther 9:28):
These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants.
It is a celebration. So in my house we might let the kids dress up, make noise makers and crowns. I will (probably) make Hamantaschen. The big feature is the telling of the Esther story. The children (and adults) boo whenever Haman is mentioned and cheer at the mention of Mordechai. We might also print off pictures and do some other fun stuff (go to my Frugal Homeschooler for activities and resources).
You should come to our Purim service. This year, the Purim Rabbi skit is a Star Wars parody.