Pe פ for Purim, The Festival of Lots (פורים)
The word “Purim” comes from the word “pur” – a lot, in the sense of a lottery ticket, a winning ticket. Purim is the most joyous Jewish holiday.

This holiday commemorates the biblical story described in the Book of Esther, in which Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from extermination. She spoiled the plans of Haman – a court official who, after casting lots (purim) that foretold events in the country, persuaded the king to start persecuting the Jews.

How Jews celebrate Purim:
A constant custom associated with this holiday is giving alms to the poor and gifting small presents to friends and neighbors, usually candy, fruits, or wine. Gifts or alms should be twice as big as usual. After the service, parties and gatherings begin, during which festive dishes are consumed, and people dress up in various costumes, such as those from comics, movies, or the Bible.
The most popular are, of course, Hamantaschen, but special Purim challah, kreplach - which are Jewish dumplings filled with meat - and various bean dishes, such as bean soup, are also eaten. They remind us that Esther would not eat anything at King Ahasuerus’s court that was not kosher, so she mainly ate peas and beans.In addition to all the festive dishes and treats, alcohol is also served. Tradition almost commands abundant celebration: one should get so drunk that they cannot distinguish the name of the great enemy of the Jews, Haman, from the name of the savior, Mordecai.

• What are the most joyous holidays you know of during the year?
• What do you do during them? Are special dishes prepared?
• What are the customs?

Symbolism:
The Hebrew letter פ (Pe) corresponds to the number 80.
Symbolic meaning: mouth, word, to speak.