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Like Chanukah, Purim is a Rabbinic holiday in that it is not mentioned in the Five Books of Moses (although some opinions say that it is alluded to). It is, however, prophetically based, as its source, Megillat Esther, is part of the Biblical canon. Because Purim is a Rabbinic holiday, there is no prohibition of doing creative work, as on Shabbat and Yom Tov. However, it is preferable not to go to work on the holiday. Like all Jewish holidays, Purim begins at sunset. However, because it is a rabbinic holiday, there is no candle lighting. Unique to the Jewish calendar, Purim is actually observed on different days depending on the location in which it is celebrated. The majority of the Jewish people celebrate Purim on the 14th of Adar (Friday March 21, 20087). Shushan and all cities that had walls at the time of Joshua's conquest of Canaan celebrate Purim on the 15th of Adar (Sunday March 23, 2008). A city's population must celebrate on the day appropriate to its city. Why: The date for Purim for "cities without walls" is based on Esther 9:16-17.
The date for Purim in "walled cities" is based on Esther 9:18.
While only the residents of Shushan rejoiced on the 15th, the rabbis decreed that all cities with walls at the time of the conquest share the latter date, in order that Jerusalem should also be separated out for honor. How does this effect Purim today:
All modern walled cities celebrate on the 14th.
In order to extend the joyous celebration, many in Israel first
celebrate outside of Jerusalem and then join the Shushan Purim celebrations
in Jerusalem. |
