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What is Purim?

Purim, also called the Feast of Lots, is a joyous Jewish holiday where we commemorate the salvation of the Jewish people from a threatened massacre in the ancient Persian Empire. The Jewish people are saved from the evil Haman’s plot to destroy and annihilate the Jews. The Purim story is read every year on this holiday and can be found in the Book of Esther. Esther is our famous heroine and she plays a leading role in saving our people. This holiday is celebrated in a loud and raucous manner with noise being made every time Haman’s name appears in the story so that no one can hear it. It is also customary to give gifts to friends and to make monetary donations to those in need.

Purim has been likened to a Jewish carnival where dressing in costumes and parading around is common . To honor Esther’s necessitated deception, we pretend to be something we’re not. There is also the custom of telling the story by putting on plays, called “Purim shpiels”, in the community.

The Purim story has Esther, aided by her cousin, Mordechai, devising a plan to thwart Haman’s decree that all Jews be exterminated. Esther rises to be the Queen of Persia, while hiding her Jewish identity from all. Mordechai encourages her to risk her life by revealing her identity to her husband, the king. She does this and the king has Haman hanged and Mordechai made the prime minister in his place. Instead of the decree that the Jews will be destroyed, a new one is made which allows the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies thus making this a very celebratory and festive Jewish holiday.

When is Purim?

Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring).

Purim 2025 begins Thursday night, March 13 and continues through Friday, March 14 (extending over Shabbat and beyond in Jerusalem)

What are Purim Foods?

Two traditional Purim foods are hamantashen and kreplach. Hamantaschen is a triangular pastry or cookie and kreplach is a small dumpling or pastry. Both of these foods have fillings hidden inside them and evoke the hidden nature of the Purim miracle. Children enjoy that the three-pointed hamantashen are said to symbolize Haman’s three-pointed hat or his triangular ears.

(Vegan Purim Recipes can be found below!)

How can we tie the holiday of Purim to animal advocacy and veganism?

Purim is a holiday where we celebrate bravery and deliverance from destruction. Our growing vegan Jewish community is showing immense bravery as we stand up and teach about the horrific practices of animal agriculture. By advocating for a transition to plant-based eating, we are working to stop the destruction of our planet and our climate that is being caused by factory farms.

According to midrash or tradition, Esther became a vegetarian when she moved into the king’s palace so that she could avoid eating foods that were not kosher. Her vegetarian diet allowed her to easily keep kosher, while still keeping her Jewish identity a secret. It’s not a surprise that a plant-based diet makes keeping kosher so easy. Not only is kosher food deemed to be healthier, but the vegan diet ate by Esther elevated her physical health and spiritual purity. Because of her diet, Purim menus worldwide include beans, chickpeas, poppyseeds, nuts and dried fruits. Purim, the most joyous holiday in the Jewish year, is celebrated with a multi-course feast accompanied by wine. In Queen Esther’s honor, we are delighted to share vegan recipes for the festive meal.

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Vegan Purim: Going Beyond Just Food

Throwing a vegan Purim doesn’t only include what’s on your plates. From eco-friendly decorations to reusable packaging for Mishloach Manot, there are tons of ways you can celebrate Purim with a compassionate mindset!

Vegan-Friendly Costumes & Crafts

Try to choose cruelty-free costumes made from natural fibers (cotton, linen, hemp) or recycled fabrics. Check out these out-of-the-box costume ideas from anglo-list.com using only … boxes! 

You can also buy some second hand at local thrift stores, or see if someone you know wants to do a costume swap!

Make your own masks, crowns, or props using paper, cardboard, or craft foam.

Instead of buying plastic noisemakers (groggers), use recycled ones made from repurposed small jars, cans, or paper tubes. Fill them with dried beans, lentils, or pebbles and shake, shake, shake!

Eco-Friendly Decorations & Accessories 

Get your home or synagogue ready for Purim by filling it with potted plants, fresh flowers, or branches. Reusable banners or fabric garlands are not only as festive, but also cut down on single-use plastics.

Reusable Tableware

Instead of plastic or single-use plates and utensils, go for reusable options made from materials like ceramic or metal. Ecotero even offers a list of the best eco-friendly bamboo cutlery sets!

Give your Purim Shpiel a Vegan Theme
Put on a Purim shpiel that weaves in vegan and animal-welfare messages. You can retell the Esther story but highlight themes of protecting the vulnerable—both people and animals.

Mishloach Manot: Gift Basket Ideas
You’ll be happy to know that you can whip up a Purim gift basket that everyone will love—while still keeping it vegan! With just a few easy swaps and thoughtful choices, you can give a gift that’s kinder to animals and our planet:

• Herb Seeds (Basil, Parsley, Mint)
• Sprouting Kits (Alfalfa, Mung Bean)
• Small Indoor Plants or Succulents
• Cruelty-Free Soaps, lotions, or lip balms labeled vegan and cruelty-free (e.g., Leaping Bunny certified).
• Aromatherapy Candles
• DIY Bath Salts (Check out this incredible recipe!)

Vegan Matanot La’Evyonim: Gifts to those in Need
Consider sending donations to organizations that rescue farm animals, protect wildlife habitats, or support plant-based nutrition in underserved communities.

You can also volunteer time, not just money. Visit local animal shelters, sanctuaries, or community gardens. Offer help with cleaning, feeding, or educational programs—especially around holiday times when extra volunteers are often needed. Check out www.volunteermatch.org to find volunteer opportunities near you!

Happy Purim!

There’s no need to go it alone when you’re adding a vegan twist to Purim—there’s a whole community cheering you on! Even small, simple changes can spark a big impact, bringing more compassion and sustainability to this holiday. Chag Purim Sameach—wishing you and your loved ones a joyous, meaningful, and vegan-friendly Purim!

You can stay up to date on the latest holiday recipes and Jewish-vegan news at www.Shamayim.us 

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