Purim & Jewish Queen Esther of Persia

Step into Jewish History

Queen Esther’s Story

1. The Origins: A Royal Drama Unfolds

In the heart of the ancient Persian Empire, during the 4th century BCE, a captivating saga unfolded. The stage was set in the opulent court of King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I). His queen, Vashti, had been deposed for refusing to dance at a royal banquet. The search for a new queen led to the entrance of a Jewish maiden named Esther. Her beauty and grace captured the king’s heart, but her true identity remained a secret.

Enter the villain: Haman, the prime minister. He harbored a venomous hatred for the Jews, especially Mordechai, Esther’s cousin. Haman devised a wicked plan to annihilate all Jews in the empire because Mordechai refused to bow down to him. He cast lots (purim) to determine the fateful day for this genocide.

2. Esther’s Brave Revelation

Esther, guided by her uncle Mordechai, risked everything. She revealed her Jewish heritage to the king, exposing Haman’s plot. The king was furious, and Haman met a poetic end—hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordechai.

3. The Megillah: Unrolling the Scroll

The Book of Esther (Megillat Esther) recounts this riveting tale. During Purim, Jews gather to read the Megillah, chanting aloud every word. The audience erupts in cheers when Mordechai’s name is mentioned and boos when Haman’s dark shadow looms.

4. Bible Verses That Echo Through Time

• Esther 4:14: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”
• Esther 9:22: “As the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned for them from sorrow to joy and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”

5. Saying “Happy Purim”

Remember, it’s not just “Happy Purim.” It’s “Chag Purim Sameach!” (Festive Purim Greetings). Say it with a twirl and a wink.

So, my dear reader, as the sun sets and the stars twinkle, let us raise our hamentaschen and toast to Esther’s bravery, Mordechai’s resilience, and the joy that triumphs over darkness. L’chaim!

Hear the Story in Song

Music Plays a Role in Purim

Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday, and music plays a significant role in the celebrations. Here are some traditional Purim songs that resonate with the festive spirit:

1. Chag Purim (חג פּוּרִים): This lively children’s song is the quintessential Purim anthem. The lyrics go like this:
   Chag Purim, Chag Purim, Chag Gadol Hu La’Yehudim, Masechot Ra’ashanim, Shirim v’Rikudim.Translation: “Purim, Purim, a great holiday for the Jews, Noisy masks, songs, and dances.”
2. Shoshanat Yaakov (שׁוֹשַׁנַּת יַעֲקֹב): This triumphant song is traditionally recited at the conclusion of the Megillah (Book of Esther) reading. It celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people. The lyrics include:
   “You have always been their salvation, their hope in every generation…”
3. Vayehi Bimei Achashveirosh (וַיְהִי בִּימֵי אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ): This tune accompanies the opening words of the Megillah (Esther 1:1). It sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
4. V’Nahapoch Hu (וְנַהַפּוֹךְ הוּא): This playful song captures the topsy-turvy nature of Purim. The lyrics express the reversal of fortunes:
   “Everything is topsy-turvy on Purim day!”
5. The Purim Senses Song: A delightful modern creation, this song engages all our senses in the mitzvahs of Purim.
6. Boo Hoo Haman: A fun and catchy song that playfully mocks Haman, the villain of the Purim story.

Remember, Purim is not only about solemn observance but also about joy, costumes, and celebration. So, sing, dance, and revel in the spirit of this festive holiday!

Step-By-Step Hamantaschen Recipe

Traditional Hamantaschen

Purim, the joyous Jewish holiday, calls for festive feasting and delightful treats. Here’s a classic Hamantaschen recipe that you can use and share. These triangular pastries symbolize Haman’s three-cornered hat and are filled with sweet goodness. Feel free to enjoy and spread the joy!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (or margarine), chilled and cut into small pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Your favorite filling (such as poppy seed, apricot, or chocolate)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the chilled butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Beat one egg and the vanilla extract together, then add it to the flour-butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
7. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter).
8. Place a teaspoon of your chosen filling in the center of each circle.
9. Fold the edges of the circle up to form a triangle, pinching the corners to seal.
10. Beat the second egg and brush it over the tops of the hamantaschen.
11. Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy these delightful treats and share them with friends and family! Remember, Purim is a time for celebration, so savor every bite.