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Purim...
This holiday commemorates God's deliverance
of the Jewish people from the evil plans of Haman as
recorded in the book of Esther. The book of Esther instructs
the Jewish people to make this holiday "days of
feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food
to one another and gifts to the poor" (Esther
9:22). The book of Esther also encourages
non-Jews "who allied themselves with them [the
Jews]" to celebrate this feast (Esther
9:27). Therefore, this is a feast for both
Jews and Gentiles who have a love for the Jewish people.
Purim is a special time to recall the mercy and salvation
of God as recorded in this story. Traditionally, the
entire story of Esther is read on this day.
Ways to celebrate:
Have a Purim party in your home or at
your congregation! You can invite others to read the
story of Esther. Assign each family a portion of the
story. As you read the story, give each child a noisemaker
to make a joyful sound whenever the name "Mordechai"
is read in the story*. To enhance the excitement, dress
up in costumes and have each family act out their portion
of the story. Finish up with a good meal and be sure
to eat some hamentaschen cookies (which are shaped like
Haman's ears!). Purim is also a good time to give gifts
of food to friends and/or those who are poor (Esther
9:22).
Recipes:
Hamantashen
* Traditionally,
the noisemakers are sounded and boos are yelled out
whenever the name "Haman" is read. However,
we recommend that you follow the Lord's example and
teaching to "encourage one another" (1
Thess 5:11) and "bless our enemies"
(Matt 5:44) by cheering
for Mordechai instead of booing Haman.
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A Purim noisemaker
called a "gragger"
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