View Our Resources Below for Celebrating Purim (no kids necessary!)
MAKE, ENJOY, AND SHARE SPECIAL PURIM TREATS
Bake and share hamantaschen and other delicious Purim foods from around the world!
Our recipe collection also includes Purim cocktails. Tradition says that on Purim we should drink enough so we don’t know the difference between our hero Mordechai and our villain Haman. This is only intended for those for whom it is safe, and outright drunkenness is not encouraged. (check out A Sober Person's Guide to Jewish Holidays). The idea behind this tradition is that this is a time to LET LOOSE, which does not require alcohol. It can also mean dancing, dressing in costumes, telling goofy jokes, hanging out with friends, or making a fancy mocktail.
GET CRAFTY
Check out craft ideas in our activity booklet, like making your own gragger (noisemaker), crowns, and Purim masks.
HEAR THE STORY AND MAKE SOME NOISE!
On Purim, it’s traditional to hear the story of Queen Esther from the Hebrew Bible, also called the Megillah (scroll). It may be read aloud or acted out in a humorous skit called a Purim shpiel (story). Everyone listens, graggers (Purim noisemakers) in hand, ready to “drown out” the name of the mean Haman.
DANCE AND SING!
Let's dance, celebrate, and raise a toast to Queen Esther, whose courage and spirit saved our people. Keep the party going all night!
GIVE GIFTS OF FOOD
Create mishloach manot (Purim goodie bags). The custom is to give foods such as hamantaschen (Purim cookies), other sweets, fruits, and nuts to friends and family. Mishloach manot means “sending gifts.” Decorate paper plates, use baskets, or other simple containers, put in the treats, and add a Happy Purim note if you’d like.
FOOD FOR THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY
An important part of every Jewish holiday is tzedakah. This Hebrew term comes from the word for “justice” and refers to giving donations, such as money or food, to help create greater fairness. On Purim, since it’s a holiday of eating and sharing delicious foods, it’s traditional to give food, such as to a food bank, or to contribute to an organization that helps to feed those in need.
CELEBRATE PURIM WITH THE JEWISH GATEWAYS COMMUNITY!
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Experience the joy of good company, delicious food, singing, Shabbat blessings, and decorating Purim crowns! Join us to celebrate Purim! Adults will enjoy "adult" drinks and discussion with Rabbi Bridget, while kids learn about Purim with Rabbi Steph through crafts, costumes, and games. All are welcome to this vegetarian potluck, whether new to our community or longtime members.
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