[aberaussie]

Why are they supposed to get drunk?

[osagebowman]

Explanation of Purim within this article

[MeanWestTexan]

"Why are they supposed to get drunk?"

Because we are directed to so celebrate in the last Chapter of Esther. It's a party to celebrate God's deliverance and faithfulness.

[Maven]

Why are they supposed to get drunk?

Because it's a huge celebration and party. There are carnivals and people dress in costume, eating poppy seed filled treats like hamantashen (triangular cookies) and drinking alcoholic beverages.

In synagogue the book of Esther is read, and children are given noisemakers so they can boo Haman and cheer Mordechai.

Think of it as a sort of Jewish Mardi Gras in appearance, but, obviously, not for the same reasons. :)

Maven
The three rules of most Jewish Holidays: 1) They tried to kill us; 2) We won; 3) Let's eat!