| National Jewish Outreach Program |

The time of year has come again - Purim festivities! A smile instantly jumps to your face as thoughts of hamantshen (three-cornered Purim cookies) and costumes float through your mind. While Purim is a holiday of fun and festivities, like all Jewish holidays it is also an opportunity to fulfill numerous mitzvot. Read on to find out the whys and what-fors of the holiday of Purim:

click here for a terrific hamantashen recipe

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pre-Purim	Shabbat Parashat Shekalim - The Sabbath of the Shekels Shabbat Parashat Zachor - The Sabbath of Remembering Ta'anit Esther - The Fast of Esther
General Purim Information	Purim What and When Why Purim is Called Purim A Bit of World History A Brief Synopsis of the Book of Esther
Purim Night	Megillah Reading Breaking the Fast
Purim Day	Megillah Reading Mishloach Manot (also called Shaloch Manos) - Sending Gifts Matanot L'evyonim - Gifts to the Poor Festive Meal Drinking on Purim
Major Themes	The Mystery of Hester Panim Hanging Haman: The Commandment to Wipe-Out Amalek
Fun	Send a virtual Purim Postcard!