Purim is a joyous festival[1]there aren’t so many in Jewish tradition! commemorating the salvation of the Jews living in the Persian empire around the mid-5th century before JC, saved by the queen Esther from the evil Haman.
The word « purim » comes from the accadian word « pur » which means « to draw lots »… The holiday of Purim refers to the dice thrown by Haman, 1st minister of king Ahasuerus, to choose the correct day (14th Adar) to kill all the Jews. During a meeting between King Ahasuerus and his counsellors – among them the famous evil Aman – the 14th Adar has been randomly chosen to kill all Persian Jews.
This story is recounted in the Scroll of Esther (Megillat Esther) and chanted during the evening service on Purim, before a lavish meal accompanied by wine. Purim is also a carnival-like celebration. It is customary to dress up, sing, mime, or perform theatrical parodies, known as Purimshpil in Ashkenazi communities. Purim is one of the few Jewish holidays where music is encouraged.
This playlist offers a selection of Yiddish songs for the holiday of Purim, performed by Pesach Burstein, Arkady Gendler, Sarah Gorby, Masha Benya, The Bursteins, and others.
- Listen to the radio show Purim or Esther’s holiday in music
- Listen to the playlist : Purim, 1st part
- Listen to the playlist Purim, 2nd part
- Listen to the playlist of Purim songs in Judeo-Spanish
- Listen to the playlist of Israeli Purim songs
| 1 | there aren’t so many in Jewish tradition! |
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