A Call to End Purim: A Celebration of Deception or Divine Justice?

Re-examining the Ethics of Purim

Purim is traditionally seen as a joyous Jewish holiday commemorating the events of the Book of Esther. It is marked by feasting, masquerades, and the public reading of Esther, where participants celebrate the supposed deliverance of the Jewish people from the genocidal plot of Haman. However, a deeper examination of its historical accuracy, theological implications, and moral consequences raises serious ethical and spiritual concerns.

• Is Purim a celebration of divine justice or an institutionalized commemoration of vengeance?
• Does Purim honor truth, or does it glorify deception and historical distortion?
• Does the intoxication and moral inversion of Purim align with the principles of righteousness, or is it a ritual of spiritual corruption?

Given these profound contradictions, we must re-evaluate the necessity and legitimacy of Purim as a religious festival.

1. The Historical Absence of Purim in Persian Records

The Book of Esther narrates that Haman, an official of the Persian king Ahasuerus, plotted to exterminate the Jews, only to be thwarted by Queen Esther and Mordecai. However, no Persian historical records mention this event, Queen Esther, Mordecai, or Haman.

• Xerxes I (the supposed Ahasuerus) had a known queen, Amestris, not Esther.
• The Persian Empire was known for its religious tolerance, making the idea of a genocidal decree against a single religious group unlikely.
• If Haman was a real historical figure and responsible for such an event, why is there no evidence of mass executions of Persians in retaliation?

Implications

• If the story of Purim is a historical fabrication, then its celebration is based on a falsehood rather than divine justice.
• Should a holiday commemorating an unverified massacre be enshrined in religious tradition?

2. A Festival of Deception: The Hidden Moral Inversion of Purim

One of Purim’s most disturbing elements is its reversal of moral and ethical order:

1. Encouragement of Intoxication
   • The Talmud commands: “One must drink on Purim until he cannot distinguish between ‘Cursed is Haman’ and ‘Blessed is Mordecai.’” (Megillah 7b)
   • This contradicts spiritual traditions that promote wisdom, clarity, and self-control.
2. Disguises and Hidden Identities
   • Esther hides her identity to gain favor with the king.
   • The holiday itself encourages dressing in costumes, symbolizing hidden truths and deception.
3. Vengeance Instead of Forgiveness
   • Esther and Mordecai, after saving the Jewish people, initiate a mass slaughter of their enemies:“The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them… In Susa, the citadel itself, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men.” (Esther 9:5-6)
   • In total, 75,000 Persians are recorded as killed.

Implications

• Why does Purim encourage moral confusion through alcohol?
• Why does Purim celebrate hidden identities and deception rather than truth?
• Why is Purim a holiday of vengeance rather than peace and reconciliation?

3. The Theological Corruption of Purim: Truth vs. The Lie (Druj)

A. The Zoroastrian Principle of Truth (Asha) vs. The Lie (Druj)

In Zoroastrian theology, the universe is divided between Asha (Truth, Divine Order) and Druj (The Lie, Chaos and Deception).

Purim, however, celebrates deception and drunkenness, making it an inversion of divine justice:

• Esther deceives the king.
• Mordecai manipulates events behind the scenes.
• Haman is executed, but mass revenge killings are still carried out.

Does Purim serve Ahura Mazda (Truth and Order), or Ahriman (Chaos and Deception)?

B. The Reversal of Divine Justice in Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus’ message contrasts Purim’s themes of vengeance and deception:

• “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)
• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
• “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)

If Purim celebrates massacre and revenge, does it contradict the ethics of divine justice as taught by Jesus?

4. Ending Purim: A Call to Higher Spirituality

1. Rejecting Ritualized Deception and Intoxication
   • A religious holiday should promote moral clarity, wisdom, and truth—not drunkenness and deception.
2. Refusing to Celebrate Vengeance
   • A true spiritual tradition does not celebrate mass slaughter but seeks reconciliation and peace.
3. Embracing a Higher Spiritual Path
   • Jesus, Zoroaster, and other great spiritual teachers advocated for justice, truth, and divine wisdom.
   • Ending Purim is a step toward removing harmful traditions that do not align with divine truth.

Why Purim Must End

• Purim is based on a historically unverified narrative.
• Its customs celebrate deception, intoxication, and vengeance.
• It contradicts divine principles of truth, justice, and peace.

Final Question:

If a religious holiday glorifies falsehood, moral corruption, and revenge, is it truly a festival of righteousness—or a ritual of deception?

The time has come to end Purim and embrace a higher path rooted in truth, wisdom, and divine justice.