The Purim Story For Kids

Purim is a holiday marked by joyous activities. We dress up in our favorite costumes, share gifts of food with friends, give charity to those in need, have a festive meal with family and friends, and read a story (PJ Library’s favorite activity) – specifically, the story of Queen Esther – together.

The story behind Purim isn’t exactly family-friendly though – so Rita Toomey and Al the audio engineer find a way to tell a version of the Purim story that works for all ages and audiences

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The Purim story helps kids learn about courage, bravery, and standing up for what's right. Your kids can grasp the themes of the story, without knowing the all of the details of the full story. Here are some questions to kickstart conversations about these themes:
 

  • Who is a hero?
  • What does it mean to be brave?
  • When was a time that you felt brave?

 

If you liked this story, you’ll love one of these books:

Check out one of these other child-friendly variations on the Purim story:

 

Browse other Jewish children’s books about Purim

 

Episode Notes

Purim, with all of its fun and festivity, is an especially accessible holiday for children. Even the youngest members of the family can be involved in the four Purim mitzvot.

You can listen to this version of the Purim story, focusing on how brave Queen Esther was to stand up for her people. Kids can dress up like the royal Queen Esther, the noble Mordecai, or anyone or anything they like. Encourage children to help select treats to put in baskets and decorate “Happy Purim” cards for friends and neighbors. Explain the concept of tzedakah, or charity, and send family members on a hunt around the house for loose change to put in a special envelope for someone in need. Plan a festive Purim meal, incorporating menu suggestions from each family member. Don’t forget the hamantaschen for dessert!

 

Episode Credits

Have I Got a Story For You is a production of PJ Library

Executive producers: Meredith Lewis, Alli Thresher
Director: Alli Thresher
Additional production: Craig Rossein
Website design: Christina Rizer
Audio editing, mixing and mastering: Peter Moore
Theme music: Penelope Alizarin Conley
Score: Peter Moore
Recorded at Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA.
Cover art: Barb Bastian

This episode was written by Alli Thresher

Cast:
Narrator, Rita Toomey: Madelaine Ripley
Al: Rich Wentworth
King Ahashverosh: Pat Bordenave
Queen Vashti: Deirdre Wade
Mordechai: Tau Zaman of the Whisper Forge
Queen Esther: Cassandre Charles
Haman: Rich Wentworth

Special thanks to Lisa Loeb. Listen to Lisa’s new album A Simple Trick to Happiness, out now.