Displaying 1 - 10 of 19
On Purim, Answering to a Higher Grogger
When in a popular Purim song we sing “Hava narishah-rash, rash, rash,” “Wind your noisemakers,” all that "rashing" does momentarily make the darkness go away. But in what direction do we turn as we step into the light?
How Midrash and Commentary Help Us Read Between the Lines
As Rosh HaShanah approached last year, I was living in southwestern China, where I celebrated by eating apples and explaining the Jewish New Year to my Chinese roommate.
Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale
Even though Hershel can no longer see, he remembers what things looked like before he lost his sight - and creates beautiful shapes from his mother’s hamentashen dough. His cookies earn him a compliment and a possible future job from the town baker.
11 Things to Know About a M'gillah Reading
Purim, a Jewish holiday in late winter, celebrates Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai and how they saved the Jews of Persia from an extermination plot by Haman, the king’s vizier. Central to the observance is a public reading – usually in the synagogue – of the Book of Esther (M’gillat Esther, the M’gillah), which tells the story of the holiday.
It's OK Not to Drink on Purim - and the Rest of Us Should Be Respectful of That
We're forbidden from pressuring other people to drink. On Purim and otherwise, what, exactly, can we do to respect those boundaries?
Using the Purim Schpiel to Explore Jewish Identity
Luba Proger and Leonid Khanin are a husband-and-wife team who investigate Jewish identity through art. One of their recent projects, is a very non-traditional staging of the traditional Purim schpiel, or story, which celebrates the salvation of the Jews in ancient Persia thanks to the cleverness of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who prevailed over the evil Haman, who planned to annihilate the Jews.
Celebrating Purim with Shalom Sesame: The Whole Megillah
Watch this Shalom Sesame video with your children to learn about the story of Purim, then try some of the fun discussion ideas and activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators.
Celebrating Purim with Shalom Sesame: Costumes
Together with your children, watch these Shalom Sesame videos to learn about how Purim is celebrated. Then try some of the discussion ideas and activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators to reinforce the lessons in the videos.
Celebrating Purim with Shalom Sesame: Baking Hamantaschen
Enjoy these Shalom Sesame videos with your children and follow up with engaging discussion ideas and activities.
Oven-Fried Curried Tofu
Here’s an easy and delicious Indian dish you can make to serve at your Purim meal. Serve it alone, over rice, or atop a salad.