How to Celebrate Purim
Today is the celebration of Purim. God saved His people! It is a super fun time to teach kids about this wonderful story of courage and faith.
1. Food--make some hamentaschen or Haman's Ears....recipe here.
I know it sounds weird to eat a person's ears, but if anyone deserved, really, Haman did. If you are familiar with the book of Esther, you'll recall that Haman was the wicked, manipulative man who tried to annihilate the Jews. But because of Queen Esther's bravery to take a stand for her people, the Jews were saved. Thus, the celebration of Purim.
"Filled foods such as Hamantashen are typical, as they represent the intrigue associated with Queen Esther and Uncle Mordecai's uncovering of Haman's wicked plot. Sweet foods convey our wishes for a sweet future. Sephardic Jews eat cookies that are fried or baked in the shape of Haman's ear, which was purported to be twisted and triangular in shape."
2. Dress Up--before you read the story of Esther, have your kids dress up as characters: Esther, King Xerses, Haman, Mordecai...You can use princess dresses, Burger King crowns, etc.
3. Gather--make some noisemakers or gather up musical instruments that kids can use to make noise. We use our drum, cymbals, etc.
4. Read the story--We love Tomie dePaloa's version of the story. He explains things really well for young kids. The Beginner Bible also has a great version....and the Rhymn Bible.
As you read the story, the children need to listen very carefully. Every time they hear the name of Haman, they are to make a lot of noise and boo and his. (Haman is the enemy who wanted to annihilate the Jews.)
5. Eat your Haman's Ears....I know, kind of gross but also super fun to laugh and say, "Bad Haman! I am gonna eat your ear!"
6. Act it out--Have your kids reenact the story. Our book with these figures, which I laminated and put on sticks so Anne could retell the story.
How fun! Your Hamantashen are the best around. Dearie
l love that last Esther book/stick display. That would be great to have!
I am enjoying referring back to your Easter/ Lent teaching sheet from last year!
Happy Purim! Paula R.
Posted by: Paula Romer | February 21, 2013 at 11:51 AM
aaaaaaaaack. I've never seen that Tomie dePaola book. Someone needs to reprint all of his books. They are simply amazing.
Lovely ideas as usual!
Posted by: Heather @ Cultivated Lives | February 22, 2013 at 02:21 PM
Hi Janna,
I am curious if you could tell me what happened to "Beautifully Rooted" that you used to contribute to? I loved that blog and reading so many different women's points of views. Thanks!
Jen H.
jmcutt4@gmail.com
Posted by: Jen H. | February 23, 2013 at 04:22 AM