Purim begins with a fast on the previous day, in order to commemorate Esther’s fast for three days before she met with the king. After the fast is broken, a grand meal should be enjoyed by all, and a popular dessert to serve is Hamantaschen (“Haman’s ears”), triangle-shaped fruit-filled cookies that represent Haman’s three-cornered hat (though some say, as the name goes, that they represent his ears, or even the dice he cast to determine when the Jews would be executed). Sending food to friends, as well as making a charitable donation, are also prescribed as ways of sharing in the tradition.
Six Things You Might Not Know About Purim
It might not be a High Holy Day, but Purim is certainly one of the most joyful holidays on the Jewish calendar.