And a “fraylachen Purim” to you too. We did mostly cards this year, but I’ll take the girls to deliver to each of their teachers and 4 friends for each. Besides that, we deliver for Amit as well, so that will take up the whole day. Good thing I’m taking the day off! Chag samayach!
Zev , I have to second irishgirl - somehow you always sound so wise and rational and loving, you post as a much older person. I knew your kids were young, but somehow I never thought of you as being young, too.
Zev, do you dress up as well? My sister is a whiz with sewing costumes, so for the last few years I’ve been the Statue of Liberty, Miss Clavell (from the Madeline series), Mickey Mouse, and Little Bo Peep.
In fact, one of the kids was costumed as Madeline the same year I was Miss Clavell. We made quite a team.
My kids do, but not me. I’m too much of a fuddy-duddy. I’ll simply put on a funny tie before I go to shul. Last year I wore a tie of hippos taking a bath in a bathtub. This year it’s a bunch of yellow “happy faces” with some of them making faces, sticking out tongues, etc.
Agreed. My wife makes sure to pick that one up every year.
First of all, thank you everyone for your comments on my appearance. I have worked hard to take off the weight and I feel much better now because of it. As for my age (or lack thereof), well… that pretty much happened by itself.
StGermain: They have to be baked in an oven. I suppose you could use chocolate (I’ve never seen one done that way) but you’d have to make sure that your hamantaschen are completely closed so that the melting chocolate doesn’t end up all over your baking tray.
Padeye: I’ll post the recipie in the next few days.
I know this much: It has to do with Esther, it has something to do with delivering Persian Jews from a bad king, and Hamantaschen are triangular for a reason. Other than that, I’m lost. From what you’ve written here, I’m getting the idea that it’s somewhat akin to Fat Tuesday/ Mardi Gras preceding the Lenten season? Because Passover’s next, right?
Nope. There is no real connection between Purim and Passover.
In ultra-short, Haman, an advisor to King Ahashverus wanted to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. He was stopped in this endeavour by Mordechai and Esther.
Becuase this salvation came about with no overt miracles, it has become a holiday that symbolizes God’s hidden hand in the course of human events. (Hint: The root of the Hebrew word “Esther” means “hidden” or “secret.”) As such, Jewish children dress up in costumes (“hide”) on this day.
Traditionally, Haman is reported to have had a triangular hat. Hence the reason for hamantaschen being triangular.
The rituals of the day include: Listening to the reading of the Megillah: (the book of Esther). It must be read from a kosher megillah, which is hand written on parchment. The megillah is read both on the night of Purim (tonight) and again by day (all Jewish holidays run from sunset to sunset).
Delivering food gifts: On Purim we go around to friends, family and neighbors and deliver gifts of food. Often the children are dressed up in costume. It should be pointed out, however, that all Jews (not just children) are required to give such gifts.
Giving gifts to the poor: Fairly self-explanatory.
Purim meal: A festive meal is eaten on Purim by day. Very often at said meals music will be playing, there will be some drinking, and people will often recite “Purim Torah” (humorous discourses on Torah topics).
For the goys not familiar with hammentaschen,we called them bishop hats, in nonkosher bakeries.Not sure if there was a particular religious significance to them,tho,we ate them because they just taste good