After hearing the Megillah, the fast is broken.
While the obligatory festival meal must be held on Purim day, it is appropriate to have a festive meal with bread and wine in the evening as well. Many people eat together and have little dinner parties, while some synagogues have "Purim Parties or Carnivals" with food and fun for the kids (and adults!)
Many people follow the custom of getting drunk on Purim night and Purim day. (See below for more on the mitzvah of drinking on Purim).
A much beloved Purim custom is the Purim shpiel.
A Purim shpiel is a play in which people make fun of friends, teachers, institutions and normally serious situations. This custom is based on Purim being the time v'nahaphoch hu. "it was turned around" (Esther 9:1). We therefore turn our normally serious and courteous behavior into a light-hearted and humorous mood. There are few sacred cows when it comes to a Purim shpiel, but one should be careful not to hurt people's feelings.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
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