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In his article on the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals website, Rabbi Alan J. Yuter explores why the holiday is named Purim (plural) when Haman draws one lot.
Why does the minor Jewish holiday named “Purim,” which means “lots,” occur in the plural, and not “pur,” which means one singular lot? How might we make sense of this singular holy day’s plural name?
This question was addressed in a public lecture delivered some twenty years ago by my revered teacher, Hakham Yosef Faur, zt’l. His presentation struck roots in my psyche, and this paper is my response and reaction to my mentor’s insight. …
… The plural noun “purim” suggests there is indeed a pur that is unknown to and unrecognized by the pagan Persian population of Shushan, the fortress city, and therefore goes unmentioned by the Persians described in the Esther Scroll.
Read more at jewishideas.org/article/why-purim-given-plural-name.
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Educated and first ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Rabbi Alan J. Yuter earned additional ordinations from Yeshiva University, supervised by Rav Moshe D. Tendler, and the Israeli Chief Rav Mordecai Eliahu. He further received Yadin Yadin from Rav David Weiss Halivni and earned a PhD in modern Hebrew Literature from New York University.
A founding member of the UTJ, Rabbi Yuter served as a faculty member at the UTJ’s rabbinical school and has held multiple pulpits, including extended stints in Springfield, NJ, and Baltimore, MD.
Rabbi Yuter is a prolific writer on ritual and philosophical issues, underpinnings of halakha, Biblical criticism, and much more. His essays can be found on UTJ’s Viewpoints . He is also a frequent contributor for The Institute of Jewish Ideas and Ideals.
Rabbi Yuter and his wife Linda reside in Israel.