Related reading: Aleinu Leshabeach - Text, Explanation, Audio and Printable Guide and FAQ Page for Every Jewish Holiday.
Al HaNissim on Purim is a short passage of thanksgiving added to the Amidah and to Birkat Hamazon. Most people looking for a printable sheet want a clear answer to three questions: when is it said, where does it belong, and how can it be explained to children in a way that feels meaningful rather than technical?
This page includes an original explanation, a suggested printable PDF structure, a child-friendly version FAQ a Purim quiz. Any full Hebrew prayer text, vocalization, transliteration, translation, or official prayer-sheet design should be reviewed for text, custom, and licensing before publication.
What Is Al HaNissim on Purim?
Al HaNissim is an added thanksgiving passage for the miracle of Purim. It begins with the familiar words "Ve'al hanissim ve'al hapurkan," and then recalls the salvation in the days of Mordechai and Esther. On Purim, it connects the story of the Megillah to prayer and to the festive meal: we do not only read the story; we also give thanks for it.
For a family, classroom, or community, the printable sheet should be clear before it is long: where to say it, when to say it, what happens if it was forgotten, and what message of gratitude it carries.
When Is Al HaNissim Said on Purim?
Al HaNissim is said in the Purim prayers: Maariv, Shacharit, and Mincha. It is also added to Birkat Hamazon when a bread meal is eaten on Purim.
In most places, Purim is observed on the 14th of Adar. In Jerusalem and in communities that observe Shushan Purim on the 15th of Adar, Al HaNissim is said on Shushan Purim. In unusual calendar situations or local communal cases, follow the local custom and rabbinic guidance.
Where Is It Added?
In the Amidah, Al HaNissim is added in the blessing of thanksgiving, within Modim. In Birkat Hamazon, it is added in the blessing of Nodeh Lecha, the section of thanksgiving for the land, sustenance, and divine kindness.
Printable helper table:
| Situation | Where It Is Said | Printing Note |
|---|---|---|
| Purim night | Amidah, in Modim | Mark the place in the siddur before prayer |
| Purim morning | Amidah, in Modim | The morning also includes other Purim mitzvot |
| Purim afternoon | Amidah, in Modim | Especially useful before the day ends |
| Birkat Hamazon | In Nodeh Lecha | Said after bread meals on Purim |
| Shushan Purim in Jerusalem | In the prayers and Birkat Hamazon of the 15th of Adar | Follow Jerusalem and local custom |
What If Someone Forgot?
In general, if someone forgot Al HaNissim in the Amidah or in Birkat Hamazon, they do not repeat the prayer or Birkat Hamazon. If they remembered before finishing the blessing in which the passage belongs, they return to the proper place and say it. If they already completed that blessing, they do not go back.
Some customs allow adding a short thanksgiving text at the end of the Amidah or near the end of Birkat Hamazon, where personal additions of thanks may be made. Because details and customs vary, a public printable should say this carefully: "If Al HaNissim was forgotten, one generally does not repeat; in practice, follow the siddur and local custom."
What Should the Printable PDF Include?
A strong Purim Al HaNissim PDF should help before the holiday, at home, and in class:
If a full text is added later, it should appear separately from the explanations, with a verified source, approved communal version, and licensing note.
For Children: How to Explain Al HaNissim
You can explain it like this:
"On Purim we do not only dress up and celebrate. We also stop to say thank you. Al HaNissim is a small passage in the prayers and in Birkat Hamazon that reminds us how the story of Esther and Mordechai turned from fear into rescue. When we say it, we are saying: we remember the miracle, and we try to notice the good we have received today too."
Discussion question: What is one good thing you want to say thank you for today?
Short Family or Classroom Activity
Print a small page with three tasks:
- Circle where Al HaNissim is said: in the Amidah, in Birkat Hamazon, or during Megillah reading.
- Write one Purim word that reminds you of rescue: Esther, Mordechai, Megillah, joy, or giving.
- Complete the sentence: "On Purim, I am thankful for..."
This works well before the Purim meal or as a short lesson before discussing the mitzvot of the day.
Purim Quiz: Questions About Al HaNissim
- In which two main settings is Al HaNissim said on Purim?
- In which Amidah blessing is it added?
- In which Birkat Hamazon blessing is it added?
- Is it said in Jerusalem on Shushan Purim?
- What is generally done if it was forgotten?
- Which Purim story does it recall?
- Why is it helpful to explain it to children as words of gratitude?
- What must be checked before publishing a full vocalized text online?
Facilitator Answers
Al HaNissim is said in the Amidah and in Birkat Hamazon. In the Amidah it is added in Modim, and in Birkat Hamazon it is added in Nodeh Lecha. In Jerusalem it is said on Shushan Purim, the 15th of Adar. If it was forgotten, one generally does not repeat, but should follow the siddur and local custom. The passage recalls the miracle of Purim in the days of Mordechai and Esther. Before publishing a full text, source, version, vocalization, transliteration, translation, and licensing should be reviewed.
Making the Page Useful Online
The page should answer the search intent immediately: "Where do I say Al HaNissim on Purim, and what should I print?" At the top, include a short summary, a placement table, and a PDF download button. Follow with the child-friendly explanation FAQ and quiz.
Recommended navigation:
- When to say it
- Where it is added
- If it was forgotten
- Printable PDF
- For children
- Purim quiz
On mobile, the table should become short cards so users can quickly distinguish between prayer and Birkat Hamazon.
FAQ
Is Al HaNissim said in every Purim prayer?
Yes. It is said in Maariv, Shacharit, and Mincha on Purim, inside the Amidah.
Is Al HaNissim also said in Birkat Hamazon?
Yes. At Purim bread meals, it is added in the Nodeh Lecha section of Birkat Hamazon.
Is it said in Jerusalem on a different day?
In Jerusalem, where Shushan Purim is observed on the 15th of Adar, Al HaNissim is said in the prayers and Birkat Hamazon of Shushan Purim.
What should I do if I forgot Al HaNissim?
In general, the prayer or Birkat Hamazon is not repeated. If you remembered before finishing the relevant blessing, you can return to the proper place. In practice, follow the siddur and local custom.
Does this page include the full Hebrew text?
Not as an official prayer text. This page includes explanation, printable structure, and guidance. Full text, vocalization, or designed prayer copy should be reviewed for source, version, and licensing before publication.
How can Al HaNissim be explained to children?
Explain it as a moment of gratitude within Purim: we remember the rescue of the Jewish people in the days of Esther and Mordechai, and we practice noticing the good in our own lives.
Does Al HaNissim replace Megillah reading?
No. Megillah reading is its own mitzvah. Al HaNissim is a thanksgiving addition in prayer and Birkat Hamazon.
Online Quiz Idea
Game name: "Where Do We Say Thank You?" The user receives cards such as Amidah, Modim, Birkat Hamazon, Nodeh Lecha, Megillah, festive meal, and Shushan Purim, and must match each card to the correct setting. The final reflection asks: what miracle are we thanking for on Purim?
Recommended Schema
- Article
- BreadcrumbList
- FAQ Page
- HowTo for preparing a printable Al HaNissim sheet