Enjoy and share Purim treats!
Purim is a joyous celebration, and what better way to embrace the festivities than by indulging in delectable treats inspired by various cultures? Delight in the sweet, triangular hamantaschen, a classic Eastern European Jewish pastry filled with fruit preserves or poppy seeds. Experience the unique flavors of Iraqi Purim cookies or irresistible cheesy Greek triangles, flaky pastries that are perfectly savory and sure to please any palate. These delicious recipes invite you to gather with family and friends, creating memories as you share in the culinary traditions of this special holiday.
Let your creativity shine!
Craft vibrant and eye-catching masks and crowns by using an array of materials such as shimmering glitter, colorful feathers, shiny metallic paper, and sparkling plastic gems. Create your own gragger or noisemaker: decorate an empty container—like a small box or plastic jar—or take a folded paper plate and add your personal touch. Once you're done decorating, fill it with dried beans to add sound and flair to your creation!
Hear the story and make some noise!
On Purim, it’s traditional to hear the story of Queen Esther, 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!
Dance joyfully, celebrate heartily, and sing along to the spirited melodies of Purim songs. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities, we will honor Queen Esther, whose unwavering courage and indomitable spirit played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people. Let the vibrant energy of this special occasion fill the air with gratitude and joy!
Make your own Purim skit!
Have a blast acting out all or part of the Purim story! You can get creative and make up a catchy rap about it, or try something fun like “paper bag dramatics.” Simply gather some random objects in a bag and use them as props to bring the story to life! It's guaranteed to be a super fun time for everyone!
Dress up!
Purim is a joyous celebration that sparks creativity and excitement as Jews of all ages embrace the tradition of dressing up as beloved characters from the Purim story! Today, the festivities come alive with a vibrant array of costumes, masks, face paint, crowns, and so much more.
Create Purim goodie bags!
During Purim, it is customary to create mishloach manot, which are goodie bags filled with food to share with friends and family. These bags typically include treats such as hamantaschen (Purim cookies), various sweets, fruits, and nuts. The Hebrew term "mishloach manot" translates to "sending gifts." You can use decorated paper plates, baskets, or other simple containers to hold the treats.
Food for those who are hungry
An important part of every Jewish holiday is tzedakah. This Hebrew term, which means “justice,” refers to the act of giving donations—whether money or food—to help create greater fairness in the community. On Purim, since it’s a holiday centered around eating and sharing delicious foods, it’s traditional to donate food to a food bank or contribute to an organization that helps feed those in need.
Celebrate Purim with the Jewish Gateways community!
Join Jewish Gateways for a festive Purim-themed Community Shabbat! Enjoy delicious food, Shabbat blessings, and fun activities for all ages. Adults can savor drinks and engage in discussions with Rabbi Bridget, while kids learn about Purim through crafts and games with Rabbi Steph. This vegetarian potluck is a great chance to connect with friends old and new. Everyone is welcome!
