The gragger is a type of noisemaker that is an integral part of the Purim celebration. During the evening and morning Purim services, the Book of Esther (Megillah), which recounts the story surrounding Purim, is read. While the Book of Esther is being read, it is customary for children to rattle the gragger when the name of Haman is mentioned. Haman was the evil Persian leader who tried to destroy the Jews. When his name is heard during the reading of the Megillah, the shaking of the Gragger enables one to try to block out the name of a man who caused the Jewish people so much pain.

Back to Glossary	Jewish Holidays	Treasures	Life Cycle	Home Page