Purim
The story of Purim is related in the Book Esther. Haman, the evil Prime Minister
of Persia, tried to destroy the Jewish people living in the empire. Through
the great courage of the Jewish Queen Esther, and the wisdom of her cousin
Mordechai, the scheme came to haught and the Jewish people were delivered from
desteruction - one of many miraculous deliverances.
A two-day holiday was institued to commermorate this event.
Even though G-d is not mentioned in the book, His hand can be clearly seen
in the many miraculous twists of the story.
Today, Purim is celebrated in Jewish homes and schools by children dressing
up, using noisemakers, doing a reenactment of the story, costumes, and cookies
called Hamentaschen. Originally, the costumes were limited to Queen Esther,
Mordechai and Haman, but now children use their imaginations. Th Book of Esther
is read and re-enacted. It is a joyous and light-hearted event, but it recalls
great danger, great deliverance and the great faithfulness of the G-d of Abraham,
Issac and Jacob toward those who trust in Him. The holiday is also often looked
at as a chance to consider the role of women in society, since the hero of
the Purim story is Esther.
Purim
Purim is generally observed in a festive manner. Taking a day off is
not an obligation (merely suggested). There are only a few requirements.
Listen to/retell the story of Purim. You can find an online
Megillah here.
Children traditionally dress in costume, although adults often get into the
act as well. Noisemakers, called graggers, are used whenever Haman's name is
read, to blot out his name.
"Eat, drink, and be merry." (Within reason)
Send out gifts of food and drink. Hamentaschen, the triangle-shaped
cookies filled with fruit named after Haman, are popular this time of year. We have
a wonderful cook in our congregation who is especially good at her very own receipe of "Chocolate Hamentaschen".
Give to charity. One is supposed to give directly to at least
two people in need, or two charities.
More Purim Recipes:
Purim Links
Links to external websites do not necessarily reflect the
views of the Congregation Sha'arey Yeshua, and we are not responsible
for the contents of those sites.
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