“The joy of Purim, the merrymaking, the food, the drink, the whole carnival atmosphere, are there to allow us to live with the risks of being a Jew – in the past, and tragically in the present also – without being terrified, traumatised or intimidated.” — Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
The festival of Purim is known as the Jewish carnival of happiness, commemorating the rescue of the Jewish people during the ancient Persian Empire from Haman, the man who planned to “destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews… in a single day”. The word “purim” means “lots” in ancient Persian and became the name of the festival because Haman drew lots to randomly determine when he would carry out his plot.
When is Purim 2027?
14
Adar II
5787
Begins: Sundown on Monday 22 March 2027
Ends: Nightfall on Tuesday 23 March 2027
Videos on Purim
Rabbi Sacks on Purim
On Purim we read Megillat Esther twice through. It is a story of survival, resilience, and hidden miracles – reminding us that even in the darkest times, faith and courage can change destiny. This clip is from a talk Rabbi...
Purim Spiel with Ashley Blaker
Rabbi Sacks and comedian Ashley Blaker in conversation for Purim 2018.
Purim Inspiration: Even You Can Change The World
This shiur was recorded at the Bnei Akiva Schools of Toronto on 16th March 2016. Transcript K’vod HaRav, Rabbi Grauer,...
JInsider Videos
Rabbi Sacks on Antisemitism
What is antisemitism?
The short answer is this...
Purim: Family Edition
Resources designed for kids and students of all ages to help them discover new insights within the Jewish festivals and encourage dynamic discussion around your Yom Tov tables.
Purim
Purim is the Jewish carnival of happiness, commemorating the rescue of the Jewish people during the ancient Persian Empire...
Read about Purim
Essays and writings from Rabbi Sacks' extensive body of work.
ARTICLES, SPEECHES
What Lessons Can We Learn from the Story of Purim?
This 2008 Purim message from Rabbi Sacks was aimed at the community of Sderot, following an intensified wave of terror...
From the Archives
ARTICLES
The Unique Joy of Purim
This Purim message from Rabbi Sacks was originally shared on his social posts in March 2020...
ARTICLES
Remember the Past to Build the Future
If you’re driving through a Jewish area this Saturday night or Sunday, don’t be surprised if you see lots of...
ARTICLES, REFLECTIONS, SHIURIM
God's Hidden Call
Chazal, our Sages, asked a strange question in the Gemara of Chullin (139b): Esther min haTorah minayin? “Where do we...
ARTICLES
The Therapeutic Joy of Purim
Listen to an audio recording of Rabbi Sacks, created in 2020, or read the full article from 2015 (below): There...
PODCASTS, SHIURIM, SPEECHES
Haman: The First Antisemite
This Purim shiur was recorded in Yeshiva University students in 2014. Transcript Thank you, President Joel for those lovely words....
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY, BROADCASTS
Remember the past, put it behind you, and build a better future
If you’re driving through a Jewish area this Saturday night or Sunday...
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY, BROADCASTS
Purim and the Longest Hatred
In a few days’ time we’ll be celebrating the Jewish festival of Purim. It’s a joyous day. We have a...
SPEECHES
A Prayer for the Thirteen Imprisoned Iranian Jews
In April 2000 Rabbi Sacks delivered an address at an emergency Prayer Meeting, held in Bevis Marks while news of...
ARTICLES
Purim’s Link to Holocaust
Reviewing a book of mine in The Spectator two years ago, Bruce Anderson began with the sentence, “The Chief Rabbi...
Rabbi Sacks' Book for Purim
Ceremony & Celebration: Family Edition
The Ceremony & Celebration Family Edition is a resource for parents, families, and educators to enhance intergenerational conversations surrounding the Jewish festivals.
