Purim: A Timeless Celebration for Everyone
February 27, 2024 | Shabbat and Holidays
By Amy Goldberg
Purim, one of the most joyous Jewish holidays, is loved by both children and adults alike! The holiday celebrates the Jewish victory, led by Queen Esther of Persia, over the wicked Haman. It is observed on the Jewish calendar date of Adar 14. During this festive occasion, Jews are obligated to participate in these four mitzvot (commandments):
- Listening to the megillah, a telling of the Purim story
- Eating a seuda (hearty meal), that may feature the iconic triangular cookie known as hamantaschen
- Exchanging mishloach manot (gifts), with friends
- Giving tzedakah (charity).
With all these mitzvot in mind, Jews of all ages eagerly embrace the chance to dress up in festive costumes that pay homage to the characters of the Purim story.
Whether you’re 5 or 85 years old, here are a few more ways you can celebrate and enjoy the Purim holiday:
Nosh on Hamantaschen: The triangular cookies, known as hamantaschen, that we eat on Purim, translates to “Haman’s ears”. Many people love the classic fillings such as apricot or cherry, while others try to get creative and try to fit an entire candy bar inside one hamantaschen. For those looking for something different, you can even find savory hamantaschen recipes with fillings like pastrami, sauteed onion jam or pizza. Our household’s go-to hamantaschen recipe every year is Shannon Sarna Goldberg’s chocolate chip cookie hamantaschen.
Parktake in Service: One of the commandments of Purim is to give tzedakah. Whether you donate to a cause that fights food insecurity or participate in our Bunches of Lunches program, there are many ways to find meaning during Purim.
Give Gifts to Friends and Neighbors: Package your homemade hamantaschen them with some candy, a clementine and a small bottle of grape juice or wine and deliver them to friends or neighbors. Make the delivery even more festive by wearing your Queen Esther!
Check Out Jewish Influencer Blogs: Check out My Jewish Mommy Life or Jewish Family Magic for amazing ideas for how to celebrate Purim and all holidays through multisensory activities for children and adults of all ages. Here are some of the many things you’ll find in the blogs: make your own Purim sensory box, family costume ideas, craft a grogger (noise maker) out of recyclables in your house and find the best PJ Library books that share the messages of Purim.
Purim may not be known as one of the MAJOR Jewish holidays, but it sure is one of the most celebratory and festive! In keeping with the theme of many Jewish holidays, it recognizes the strength of the Jewish people when faced with adversity. So, pick a project or two to enjoy with your family and don’t forget to shake your grogger and yell “BOO!” when you hear Haman’s name.