Happy Purim!

Happy Purim everyone!

Thought I would add a few more things about Purim. During the service they read the book of Esther (called the megdillah) which tells the story of Haman and Esther and how she saved the Jews. Whenever Haman's name is read the congregation may stomp their feet or shake noise makers known as graggers. The noise makers are symbolic of an alarm clock to wake us up to the evil in the world. The stomping is symbolic of stomping it out since Haman was evil. In the past it was tradition to write Haman's name on the bottom of your shoe or on the floor of the synagogue and wipe your feet on it as you walk over it.

Also, there is a special mitzvah (good deed) that is traditionally done on Purim- sending food baskets to family, friends and those in need (or doing other charity work). The basket is called a mishloach manot. The baskets should contain two ready to eat foods- nuts, fruits etc.

Lastly, for the kiddies- this is a fun holiday. In addition to the festivals you can use things around the house to dress up as the King and Queen. Homemade costmes are the best! This link will take you to masks that you can color and cut out, directions for handmade graggers and other fun activities. www.holidays.net/purim

Happy Purim!

Easy Hamataschen from Recipezaar & Jewish Holiday-Do Book

Lazy Hamantaschen
From recipezaar.com and Jewish Holiday-Do Cookbook

Ingredients
1 c. softened butter or butter-flavored margarine
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
4 c. flour
Jam or chocolate chips or other fillings

1. Beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla together, add flour
2. Form into 3 inch logs, wrap and freeze
3. Before making, remove from freezer and let thaw slightly. Slice in ¼ “ slices.
4. Put some filling in the center of each slice and pinch to make 3 corners- like a triangular hat.
5. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes

Tip- use parchment paper to help with clean up and then you can write down the flavoring.

Purim- eat, drink and be merry!

So here’s the lowdown on Purim as interpreted by me. Esther, a beautiful young Jewish girl, was chosen to be a part of King Ahasuerus’s (King of Persia) harem. However, the King loved her more than the other women and made her his queen. Esther, who had been raised by her Uncle Mordecai as his own daughter had been advised not to tell anyone she was Jewish.
Meanwhile, one of the King’s advisors, Haman, hated the Jews. The only real explanation I could find for this was that he hated Mordecai because Mordecai wouldn’t bow to him and thus hated all Jews. Haman advised the King that the Jews should be killed and the King gave Haman permission to do whatever he wanted (of course not knowing that his wife the queen was Jewish). Esther learned of Haman’s plan and managed to convince the King to save the Jews and as a result Haman was hung.

This is a one day, festive celebration. Many temples have festivals and the children dress up as the King and Queen. I found reference of cross-dressing in celebration of Purim but when I brought it up with my husband he had never witnessed such activity and thought I was making that part up.

As for eating traditions- hamentaschen is the way to go. They are little triangular shaped cookies filled with jelly or fruit preserve. They are shaped that way to imitate the shape of the hat that Haman wore. This is also a very “festive” occasion in the drinking department and you are encouraged to drink until you can’t tell the difference between, “cursed be Haman,” and “blessed be Mordecai.” Really- I am not making this up- this comes directly from Judaism 101- www.jewfaq.org.

We’ll talk more later this week about the service and specific activities you can do to celebrate Purim. Until then, get your costumes ready and your liquor cabinet stocked.

Third time is the charm

So this is officially my third time trying to get this off the ground- and I feel good about it. Third time's the charm, right? What have I missed- a lot. There was Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat and of course Christmas and New Year's. So, I will try again. Purim is right around the corner (as in next week) and then not far behind is Passover with lots of "stories" in between I am sure.

Talk to you in a few days...