Purim in Australia

Many Jewish communities in Australia celebrate Purim to commemorate the Jewish people’s deliverance from death around the fourth century BCE, as told in the Book of Esther. Esther was a queen who helped stop the villain Haman’s plans to kill Jewish people.

Purim is usually celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Adar in the Jewish calendar, which is in February or March in the Gregorian calendar. According to many sources, the celebrations begin at around sunset on the 13th day of Adar, while other sources mention that Purim is observed on the 15th day of Adar.

Some food baskets that are exchanged during Purim may include a special pastry known as hamantash, or hamantasch. ©iStockphoto.com/sterling_photo

What do people do?

Purim usually begins with the reading of the Megilla (or Megillah), which refers to the story of Esther, in the synagogues for many Jewish Australians. Graggers, which are Purim noisemakers, are used to drown out the name of the villain Haman when the story of Esther is read, particularly to children. Various types of graggers or other noisemakers, including clappers, are sold in Australia prior to Purim.

Purim parties involving all generations of Jewish people are held in both urban and rural Australia. Purim gift baskets are also exchanged. These baskets may include pretzels, chocolates, other types of candy, and clappers. Many Jewish people donate to charity around this time of the year.

Public life

Purim is not a public holiday in Australia so public offices, schools, many businesses and transport systems are open or operational.

Background

The history of Australia’s Jewish settlement can be traced back to the first fleet that landed in Sydney, Australia, in 1788. The fleet included about 14 Jewish people. Australia’s history is made up of Jewish pioneers and achievers, such as General Sir John Monash, a well-known leader who contributed to Australia’s heritage, and Sir Isaac Isaacs, the first Australian-born Governor General.

Jewish Australians continue to comprise a rich cultural mix in Australia’s modern society, where their achievements are recognized and synagogues, museums, paintings and sculptures that celebrate Jewish culture and heritage are appreciated. Festivals such as Purim are celebrated among Jewish communities in Australia. Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a Jewish woman called Esther.

About Purim in other countries

Purim Observances

Other holidays in March 2012 in Australia

• Labour Day ―Monday, March 5, 2012
• Adelaide Cup ―Monday, March 12, 2012
• Eight Hours Day ―Monday, March 12, 2012
• Canberra Day ―Monday, March 12, 2012
• Labour Day ―Monday, March 12, 2012
• St Patrick's Day ―Saturday, March 17, 2012
• Vernal equinox ―Tuesday, March 20, 2012