Purim celebrates the downfall of a man who wished to wipe
out the Jewish people. The Megillah-the
Book of Esther, which is read on Purim, tells us to keep
the 14th of Adar (March 9 in 2009) as a day of joy and
happiness.
The Megillah of Esther is read in the synagogue after
the evening service on the Eve of Purim and again on the
morning of Purim. The story
of Purim is full of human interest and excitement.
The Book of Esther is of unique concern to modern
Jews. Why, you may ask, check out Why
isn't God mentioned in the Purim story?
We bet you didn't think a basket
of fruit would have anything to do with Purim. To find
out more, check out our Tzedakah
and Purim page.
It's a tradition when reading the Book of Esther to
drown out the name of Haman, the story's villain, with
a loud noise. This cacaphony is often accomplished with
groggers, the special Purim noisemakers. So turn your
speakers up and hear the
sound of a grogger.
The
falling triangles to your right are Hamantashen
or Haman's hats, the most popular sweet made at Purim.
One legend tell us that the tree corners of the cookie
represent Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the founding fathers
of Judaism. If you'd like to make some of your very
own, go to a
great recipe all the family will enjoy.
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