Sundown, March 20th, is the start of Purim 2019.

Purim is celebrated each year in late winter/early spring. It commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a massacre during the time of the ancient Persian Empire. The theme of escape from genocide has particular significance to Jewish people today. You can learn more about this holiday here.

People celebrate Purim by feasting and drinking intoxicating beverages. The Purim dinner typically includes triangular cookies called "hamantaschen." Celebrants, especially children, dress up like figures from the Purim story, particularly the heroic queen Esther. People also read aloud from the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Scriptures, where the Purim story is told. This story encourages Jewish people to donate to the poor and marginalized.

This year, consider making your Purim donation to an organization fighting modern day enslavement and human trafficking. Poor and marginalized populations, particularly those facing discrimination and genocide, are at greatest risk of being trafficked. Click the button above for End Slavery Now's directory of anti-trafficking organizations. If you and your loved ones are celebrating Purim, find inspiration at End Slavery Now's fair trade Judaica Pinterest board.

Chag Purim Sameach!

Forms of Abolition:
Awareness

Forms of Slavery:
Domestic Servitude, Sex Trafficking, Forced Labor, Bonded Labor, Child Labor, Forced Marriage