Table of content
1. Myth: Mordechai Was Esther’s Uncle 2. Myth: Hamantaschen Represent Haman’s Hat (or Ears) 3. Myth: Haman’s Sons Were Hanged on the Gallows He Had Prepared for Mordechai 4. Myth: Mishloach Manot Must Contain Two Foods with Different Blessings 5. Myth: Drinking on Purim Means You Have to Get Drunk 6. Myth: Hearing the Megillah Once Is Enough 7. Myth: You Can Skip Parts of the Megillah If You’re Busy Booing Haman 8. Myth: Purim Is the Jewish Halloween 9. Myth: Purim Is a Minor Holiday, So It’s Not Important
Mark your calendars, grab your groggers, and prepare your best "boo, Haman!" Because in 2025, Purim begins at sundown on Thursday night, March 13 (14 Adar II), and continues through Friday, March 14.
In Jerusalem , where Shushan Purim is observed, Purim extends over Shabbat, March 15 (15 Adar II) with some elements spilling into Sunday, March 16, due to the unique way Shabbat impacts the observance of Purim. This creates what's affectionately known as a "Purim Meshulash" (Triple Purim), where the mitzvot of Purim are spread across three days.
It's the holiday where costumes are encouraged, noise-making is a mitzvah, and hamantaschen calories don't count (citation needed).
But like any good story, Purim comes with its fair share of myths and misconceptions. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top nine Purim myths!
1. Myth: Mordechai Was Esther’s Uncle
Every retelling of the Purim story seems to agree: Mordechai was Esther’s wise and kind uncle who raised her after her parents passed away.
Fact: Mordechai Was Esther’s Cousin
Surprise! According to the Megillah, Mordechai was Esther’s older cousin, not her uncle. When Esther’s parents passed away, Mordechai adopted her. So think less Full House and more Full Megillah.
2. Myth: Hamantaschen Represent Haman’s Hat (or Ears)
Literally, ‘Haman’s pockets’ in Yiddish, those delightful triangular pastries are usually stuffed with poppy seeds, jam, or, if you’re feeling fancy, Nutella. Legend says they symbolize Haman’s pointy hat (or, in Hebrew his ears).
Fact: Haman’s Hat Was Not Sponsored by Doritos
There’s zero historical evidence that Haman rocked a triangular hat – or that his ears were noteworthy enough to inspire desserts. The triangular shape likely originated in Europe, but the real star of this Purim pastry isn’t the shape – it’s the filling, traditionally poppy seeds, known as ‘mon’ in Yiddish. And no, it’s not just because poppy seeds taste good wedged between your teeth for days afterward.
The poppy seed filling actually carries deep symbolism. Eating seeds on Purim commemorates the devotion of biblical figures like Daniel and Esther, who stuck to a vegetarian, seed-based diet to avoid non-kosher food while living in royal courts. Poppy seeds, or mon, are the filling of choice not only for tradition but also for wordplay – mon echoes the word manot (as in mishloach manot , the portions we send to friends and family on Purim). Delicious AND linguistically clever? That’s the kind of snack we can get behind.
So, why are hamantaschen called “ears” in Israel? This has less to do with Haman’s anatomy and more with historical pastry lingo. The term “oznayim” (ears) has been used to describe pastries long before anyone was folding dough over Haman’s villainous reputation.
In fact, medieval rabbis like Rabbi Yosef ibn Kaspi and Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel used the term to describe a manna-inspired pastry called oznayim – a clear reference to ear-like shapes, but with no connection to Purim or Haman. Plus, in many Eastern European traditions, dumplings and pastries shaped like ears have been a culinary staple for centuries. So if someone offers you a pair of "little ears," they might just be trying to feed you, not insult you.
3. Myth: Haman’s Sons Were Hanged on the Gallows He Had Prepared for Mordechai
A poetic twist, right? Haman plotting Mordechai’s downfall, only to have him and his sons hanged on the gallows he prepared. Too good to be true? Kind of.
Fact: They were already dead.
A closer look at chapters 8 and 9 of Esther reveals that Haman was strung up on the very tree he had set aside for Mordechai immediately after his evil plan was exposed (on Passover Eve, no less – talk about bad timing). His sons, however, met their fate much later, on Adar 13, during the epic showdown in Shushan. They were killed in battle, presumably by sword, along with the rest of the city’s enemies. Only after their demise did the king approve their bodies being displayed on the gallows.
So, in the end, Haman’s sons were hung – but definitely not hanged. A small but crucial distinction, and one that leaves you marveling at the Megillah’s dramatic storytelling!
4. Myth: Mishloach Manot Must Contain Two Foods with Different Blessings
Got fruit (ha’eitz) and candy (shehakol)? Great. Got two donuts (mezonot, mezonot)? You’re still good to go.
Fact: Variety Isn’t the Spice of Mishloach Manot
Jewish law requires two different ready-to-eat food items, but they don’t need to have distinct blessings. One Oreo Mint and one Oreo Plain? Kosher . A sandwich and a soda? Also kosher. A single pickle and a handful of M&Ms? Strange, but hey, still kosher.
5. Myth: Drinking on Purim Means You Have to Get Drunk
“Drink until you can’t tell the difference between ‘cursed is Haman’ and ‘blessed is Mordechai.’” Sounds like a recipe for a bad hangover, right?
Fact: Purim Is About Joy, Not Regret
The mitzvah is to increase joy – not your tolerance for Tylenol. A small drink, a joyful buzz, or even a nap can fulfill this obligation. Because nothing screams “Purim spirit” like a solid power nap in your lion costume.
6. Myth: Hearing the Megillah Once Is Enough
Purim night rolls around, and you hear the whole Megillah (literally). Done for the year, right?
Fact: You Need to Hear It Twice
Jewish tradition requires listening to the Megillah at night and again the next day. Think of it as Purim’s double feature: the late-night premiere and the matinee showing. Just make sure you don’t miss Haman’s name – it’s not Purim without some solid booing.
7. Myth: You Can Skip Parts of the Megillah If You’re Busy Booing Haman
Booing Haman’s name is practically a sport. But drowning out the reader and missing words? That’s a Purim foul.
Fact: Every Word of the Megillah Counts
While it’s fun to unleash your inner noisemaker, you must hear every word of the Megillah, including Haman’s name. Many readers will pause to let you boo, then repeat Haman’s name. Coordination is key – don’t let your enthusiasm drown out the mitzvah.
8. Myth: Purim Is the Jewish Halloween
Costumes, parties, and sweets – what’s not to compare? Except, everything.
Fact: Purim Is About Miracles, Not Monsters
Purim celebrates hidden miracles, divine providence, and Jewish survival. Dressing up symbolizes the hidden hand of G-d in the story, and giving mishloach manot and matanot la’evyonim (gifts to the poor) ensures the joy of the holiday is shared. There’s no trick-or-treating – just treats and traditions with deeper meaning.
9. Myth: Purim Is a Minor Holiday, So It’s Not Important
It’s not Rosh Hashanah, so it’s less important, right? Wrong.
Fact: Purim Is a Big Deal
Purim might not be Torah-mandated, but its lessons of faith, resilience, and joy pack a major punch. Plus, it’s the only holiday with a mitzvah to party (responsibly, of course). What could be more major than that?
So there you have it – the truth about Purim myths, unmasked. Enjoy delivering mishloach manot, feasting on hamantaschen, and pulling off your best Queen Esther ensemble.
Chag Purim Sameach!
