Purim is one of the most joyful and exciting holidays in the Jewish calendar. Between the megillah reading, festive meals, mishloach manot (gifts of food), and, of course, the colorful costumes, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun. But have you ever stopped to wonder: Why do we wear costumes on Purim?
It turns out, the tradition of dressing up is far deeper than just adding excitement to the day — it carries a powerful message about identity, courage, and discovering our true selves.
The Hidden Miracles
The story of Purim is unique because G-d’s name isn’t mentioned even once in the entire Book of Esther. Yet, when you look closely, you can see G-d’s presence hidden within the twists and turns of the story. Esther’s courage, Mordechai’s wisdom, and the miraculous timing of events all reveal that Hashem was guiding everything — even when it wasn’t obvious.
Our costumes remind us of this lesson. Just like G-d’s miracles were “disguised” in natural events, we too put on disguises to reflect that what you see on the surface isn’t always the whole story.
Discovering Your True Self
On Purim, we step into different characters by wearing costumes. But in a way, this playful act helps us connect to our real selves. Often, we wear invisible masks every day — pretending to be more confident than we feel, hiding our struggles, or holding back from being our authentic selves. Purim encourages us to recognize those “masks” and embrace who we truly are.
By stepping out of our usual roles — dressing up as superheroes, royalty, or even something silly — we remind ourselves that our true identity isn’t about what we wear or how others see us. Our real strength comes from within.
Courage in Disguise
Esther’s journey in the Purim story is another powerful example. For much of her life, Esther kept her Jewish identity hidden. But when the moment came to speak up and save her people, she found the courage to reveal her true self. Her bravery teaches us that sometimes, the strongest people are the ones who have been quietly gathering strength behind the scenes.
When you wear a costume this Purim, think about what parts of yourself you want to show the world. Is there a strength, talent, or value you’ve been keeping hidden? Purim is a perfect time to embrace it.
Embracing the Joy
Most importantly, Purim’s costumes remind us that joy and celebration are key parts of Jewish life. By letting go, laughing with friends, and stepping into something new, we celebrate the resilience and strength that have kept the Jewish people thriving for generations.
So this Purim, as you slip into your costume, remember — you’re not just dressing up for fun. You’re stepping into a powerful reminder that G-d’s presence is always there, even when it’s hidden, and that the real you is stronger and more beautiful than any disguise.
Chag Purim Sameach!
Check out the NCSY Purim Explained infographic to learn more! Click Here
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