SESL Purim Lessons
Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday that celebrates the survival of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy them, as told in the Book of Esther (Megillat Ester). The story takes place in ancient Persia, where Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai help thwart Haman’s evil plan, turning a moment of danger into a victory for their people. It is observed on the 14th of Adar (or the 15th in walled cities like Jerusalem), this year on March 13-14th.
There are 4 mitzvot of Purim:
Reading the Megillah (Book of Esther) – People gather to hear the story read aloud and shake groggers to drown out Haman’s name.
Giving Gifts (Mishloach Manot) – It’s customary to exchange food packages with friends and family.
Charity (Matanot La’evyonim) – Giving to those in need is an important part of the holiday.
Festive Meals (Seudat Purim) – Families and communities come together for a celebratory feast.
Below, you'll find texts, questions, and exercises designed to support the social, emotional, and spiritual growth of your learners while learning about the holiday of Purim.
Texts for Reflection and Discussion
Building self awareness skills: Understanding emotions
Text 1:
Purim takes place during the Hebrew month of Adar. In the Talmud we are told that “When the month of Adar arrives, we increase in joy," and our sages tell us, "Be happy. It's Adar!"
But, can we be happy just because someone tells us to be?
Activity: Be Happy!
It can be helpful to recognize the moments throughout the day that bring us joy. However, this is often easier said than done! We tend to focus more on experiences that make us angry, frustrated, or sad, sometimes even getting “stuck” in those emotions. Shifting our focus requires intention and effort, but it can make a meaningful difference in our perspective.
How can we do this?
Set an intention. Begin the day with a plan to notice the things and experiences that make you happy.
When this happens, pause and take a moment to recognize what made you happy, while also noticing what that feels like in your body. Did you smile? Did your heart beat a little faster? Did you laugh?
At the end of the day, share with someone three things that made you happy.
Text 2: Costumes and Masks
Wearing costumes on Purim can spark reflection about the different “masks” we wear in life—how we present ourselves in different settings and what it means to be authentic.
Activity: Emotion Masks
Cut paper plates in half and tape a popsicle stick to each plate.
On each half, draw a nose and a mouth that illustrates different emotions (happy, sad, frustrated, angry, silly, etc).
Choose a plate that expresses how you are feeling.
For older learners:
Text 3: Identity
Esther undergoes a transformation, from a hidden and hesitant figure to a courageous leader who embraces her identity.
Questions for Discussion:
When do you feel most like yourself?
Are there times when you hide parts of who you are? Why?
Specifically for teens:
Activity: “Who Am I? A Visual Identity Story
There are many different dimensions of our identity. Here are a few to consider:
Personal interests (hobbies, talents, passions)
Culture and religion
Emotions and personality traits
Relationships (family, friends, community)
Aspirations and dreams
Instructions:
Take or Collect Photos:
Find existing photos - or take new ones- that represent different aspects of your identity.
Create Your Identity Story
Option 1: Photo Collage – Arrange multiple photos on a poster or digital collage to showcase different aspects of yourself.
Option 2: Split Image – Take or edit a side-by-side image showing two different sides of your personality.
Storytelling – Select 3-5 photos and write short captions explaining how each one represents part of your identity.
Reflect & Share:
Did any photos reveal something about your identity you hadn’t thought about before?
Share your visual identity story with your family and/or friends.
Self Management and Responsible Decision Making
Text 4: What Should Esther Do?
After Mordecai learns of the King’s decree to destroy the Jews, he sends word to Esther and tells her through a messenger that she must “go to the king and appeal to him and plead with him for her people,” (Esther 4:4: 8).
Esther is hesitant and replies: “All the king’s courtiers and the people of the king’s provinces know that, if any person, man or woman, enters the king’s presence in the inner court without having been summoned, there is but one law for him- that he be put to death,” (Esther 4:10-11)
Mordecai delivers yet another message to Esther:
“Do not imagine that you, of all the Jews, will escape with your life by being in the king’s palace. On the contrary, if you keep silent in this crisis, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another quarter, while you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows, perhaps you have attained to royal position for just this crisis, (Esther 4: 13- 14).
Rather than acting immediately, Esther sends back the following message to Mordecai:
“Go, assemble all on my behalf; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will observe the same fast. Then I shall go to the king…..” (Esther 4: 16).
Rather than acting hastily, Esther takes time to think through the situation and possible actions. Like the steps of Responsible Decision Making, Esther:
Stops, pauses, and identifies the problem.
Esther thinks through possible solutions, taking time to weigh the risks and think through possible solutions.
She makes a choice and moves forward on her decision based on her values and ethics.
Questions:
Have you ever had to make a hard choice between what is easy and what is right?
How do emotions like fear, bravery, and confidence play a role in making important choices?
How can your values help inform the decisions you make and help you stand up for others even when it is difficult to do so?
Tool: Deep Breathing
Calming Conflicting or Intense Emotions
It's very possible to feel two conflicting emotions at the same time. Perhaps Esther felt both afraid and brave as she approached the king.
When you are feeling intense or conflicting emotions, focusing on your breath can help ease those emotions, bringing a sense of balance and calm, and giving you time to think through possible solutions before making a decision and acting on it.
Deep Breathing as a “Spiritual” Tool
The Book of Esther is the only book in the Bible in which God is never mentioned. God in essence is “hidden.” This hiddenness reflects one of the central themes of Purim—the idea that the Divine can be concealed within ordinary, every day circumstances.
Focusing on our breath can help us be more present and mindful. Slowing down to appreciate our blessings, pausing to notice the beauty just beyond our window, and creating space for quiet reflection can open the door to hearing the “still small voice” within each of us. And in doing so, helps us to uncover a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives.
Here’s a deep breathing technique to help you pause, slow down, and manage emotions:
