Discover a Jewish tradition
🎭 Purim for kids
Purim celebrates the rescue of the Jewish people in the story of Esther. The story is read from a scroll called the Megillah. Esther and Mordechai are central figures, and the holiday invites children to think about courage and helping others.
Common customs include costumes and triangular pastries called hamantaschen. The day also includes gifts of food, help for people in need and a festive meal. A costume is one part of the celebration, not its whole meaning.
Most communities celebrate on the fourteenth of Adar, or Adar II in a leap year. Jerusalem and certain historically walled cities observe Shushan Purim on the fifteenth. The dates shown here are for ordinary Purim.
Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
Begins: Mon, March 2, 2026 at sunset
Ends: Tue, March 3, 2026 at nightfall
2027
Begins: Mon, March 22, 2027 at sunset
Ends: Tue, March 23, 2027 at nightfall
Dates begin on the preceding evening. Candle lighting is before sunset when welcoming Shabbat; exact local times require a location. These dates are not candle-lighting times.
These are Purim dates. Jerusalem and certain historically walled cities observe Shushan Purim the next day.
Calendar reference: Hebcal holiday calendar. Dates are calculated with the site's Hebrew calendar conversion.
A blessing to learn together
Reading the Megillah
The reader says this before reading the Megillah, together with the other customary blessings.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל מִקְרָא מְגִלָּה.
Transliteration
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetsivanu al mikra megillah.
Meaning in English
Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who made us holy through Your commandments and commanded us concerning the reading of the Megillah.
Traditional Hebrew wording reused from the site's blessing collection; English translation written for this page. This is a learning excerpt, not a complete service. The Hebrew spelling ה׳ stands for the divine name; follow your teacher's practice when learning aloud.
Purim coloring pages
A festive Purim mask
Open and print →A Purim noisemaker
Open and print →Triangular Purim pastries
Open and print →Queen Esther's crown
Open and print →A Purim food-gift basket
Open and print →Happy Purim in Hebrew
Open and print →
Lion mask for Purim
Open and print →
Cat mask for Purim
Open and print →
Royal crown mask
Open and print →
Butterfly mask
Open and print →
Fox mask
Open and print →
Bird mask
Open and print →
A mask with a tall crown
Open and print →
A floral Purim mask
Open and print →
Bear mask with open eye spaces
Open and print →Match the holiday words
Learn four words in English and Hebrew. Point to each pair together before trying the mixed-up version. The second printed page is an answer key.
mask — מסכה
gift — מתנה
scroll — מגילה
crown — כתר
Frequently asked questions
What are mishloach manot?
They are gifts of ready-to-eat food shared on Purim. A family can prepare a small package and talk about friendship and generosity.
Can I print the Purim activities?
Yes. The word match includes a separate answer page, and each coloring drawing has its own print or PDF button. Prepare materials in advance if your family avoids writing or printing on the holiday.
Why do some dates differ between Israel and abroad?
Some festivals have an additional day in many communities outside Israel. Use the calendar selector and follow your local community calendar.
Explore more: All Jewish holidays, and Learn Hebrew letters.