Purim 2026 (5786) begins Monday evening, March 2 at sundown and is observed on Tuesday, March 3. Shushan Purim is on Wednesday, March 4. The Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) is on Monday, March 2.

What are the four mitzvot of Purim?

The four mitzvot of Purim are: 1) Reading the Megillah (Book of Esther) - both evening and morning, 2) Mishloach Manot - sending food gifts to at least one friend, 3) Matanot La'evyonim - giving gifts of money to at least two poor people, and 4) Seudah - a festive Purim meal.

What time is Megillah reading on Purim 2026?

The Megillah is read twice on Purim - once at night (after sundown on March 2) and once during the day (March 3). Exact times vary by location. Check your local synagogue for specific Megillah reading times.

What is the Fast of Esther?

The Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) is observed on the day before Purim, from dawn to nightfall. In 2026, it falls on Monday, March 2. It commemorates the three-day fast that Queen Esther called before approaching King Achashverosh.

Coming March 2026

Purim 5786

פורים תשפ״ו

The Festival of Lots - Celebrating the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia

Purim Dates 5786

Purim

Monday evening, March 2 - Tuesday, March 3, 2026

י״ד אדר תשפ״ו

Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) - Monday, March 2 (dawn to nightfall)
Monday evening: First Megillah Reading (after sunset)
Tuesday morning: Second Megillah Reading
Mishloach Manot (food gifts) - Tuesday daytime
Matanot La'Evyonim (gifts to poor) - Tuesday daytime
Purim Seudah (festive meal) - Tuesday afternoon

Shushan PurimJerusalem

Tuesday evening, March 3 - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

ט״ו אדר תשפ״ו

Celebrated in walled cities (Jerusalem)
Megillah Reading in Jerusalem
Festive celebrations continue

The Four Mitzvot of Purim

Megillah Reading

מקרא מגילה

Listen to the Book of Esther read twice - evening and morning

Mishloach Manot

משלוח מנות

Send at least 2 ready-to-eat foods to at least 1 friend

Matanot La'Evyonim

מתנות לאביונים

Give charity to at least 2 poor people

Seudah

סעודה

Enjoy a festive meal with family and friends

Megillah Blessings

Customs & Traditions

Wearing costumes and masks
Making noise (groggers) when Haman's name is read
Eating hamantaschen (triangular pastries)
Drinking wine at the Purim meal
Reading the Megillah from a kosher scroll
Adding 'Al HaNissim' to prayers and Grace After Meals