What is the name of the Jewish festival that begins at sundown on March 2, 2026?

The Jewish festival that commences at sundown on March 2, 2026, is known as Purim. This joyous occasion is a vibrant celebration that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them in ancient Persia. It is a holiday marked by festivity and revelry, reflecting the miraculous turn of events detailed in its origin story.

The historical background of Purim is found in the biblical Book of Esther. The story unfolds in the Persian Empire, where Haman, a high-ranking official, devised a plan to destroy all Jews. He cast lots, or "purim" in Persian, to determine the date for this decree, which fell on the 13th of Adar. However, Queen Esther, a Jewish woman whose identity was initially hidden from King Ahasuerus, bravely intervened with the help of her cousin Mordecai. She revealed Haman's wicked scheme to the king, ultimately leading to Haman's downfall and the salvation of her people.

Today, Purim is celebrated with a variety of lively traditions. These include public readings of the Book of Esther, often accompanied by noisemakers to drown out Haman's name, and the exchange of food gifts, known as "mishloach manot." Many people dress in costumes, symbolizing the hidden nature of the miracle and the idea that things are not always as they appear. Charitable giving to the poor and a festive meal are also central to the holiday, making it one of the most cheerful and engaging dates on the Jewish calendar.