This is a Purim picture welcoming the month of Adar, the month of joy and happiness. The picture was published in 1950 in Montreal, Canada and contains many Purim symbols and items related to the four mitzvot (commandments) associated with the holiday. The main text on the poster is a quote from the Talmud: “When Adar Arrives, We Increase Our Joy.” In the centre of the picture is a table laid for a Purim feast with wine and sweet food on it, including a cake decorated with the words “Happy Purim.”
Two lit candlesticks are placed on the table, despite the fact that candles are not traditionally lit on Purim. Each of the four corners of the illustration contains an image and words describing a different aspect of Purim. In the top-left corner and moving clockwise are pictures of matanot l’evyonim (gifts for the poor), mishloach manot (Purim food gifts), Mordechai being honoured by wearing the king’s clothing, and musical instruments used to celebrate Purim. Surrounding the entire picture is the verse from the well-known piyut (religious poem) Shoshanat Yaakov. The brightly coloured picture contains additional images such as fish, the Book of Esther, flowers, and crowns. Fish are the astrological symbol for the month of Adar (Pisces) and represent fertility and blessing.
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Purim - Purim is celebrated on the 14 Adar as the day the Jewish people were saved from destruction during the fourth century BCE. The heroine of the Purim story, Queen Esther, worked together with her uncle, Mordechai, to reverse the decree of genocide issued against the Jewish people by Haman, the vizier of Persia. It is the tradition on Purim to dress up in costumes, distribute small food packages known as mishloach manot, give charity, and listen to the reading of the Megilla – the Book of Esther.
Purim Mitzvot – Four special mitzvot (commandments) are associated with Purim. The central mitzvah is listening to the reading of Megillat Esther (Book of Esther) which tells the Purim story of Haman’s attempt to annihilate the Jews of Persia and their salvation with the help of Queen Esther and Mordechai. The mitzvot of giving mishloach manot (Purim food gifts), which often include pastries, sweets, and wine, holding a seudah (festive meal), and distributing matanot l’evyonim (gifts for the poor) are all performed during the day of Purim.
