Purim: In Five Steps

Hello, it’s me. That’s right I didn’t drop off the face of the earth entirely. When school started back up the blog went on the back burner, but I was hungry so it’s on the front. And yes that analogy went nowhere quick. Anyway, welcome back to my blog. With that awkward intro out of the way (what did you expect with the name of the blog), let’s get to it.

Purim is fast approaching. What’s Purim? I’m so glad you asked. Purim is a Jewish holiday and its origins are found in the Bible, in the book of the Esther. For those of you who don’t know the story let me set the scene.

Esther peasant turned queen, Mordecai her devoted cousin and follower of G-d, King Achashverous (or affectionately Achi) at the very least disturbed, and Haman power hungry maniac. It’s a Jewish tradition to boo Haman each time his name is mentioned so yeah….. BOOOOOO!!! Esther was Jewish but Achi wasn’t exactly the understanding type so she had to keep her true identity on the down low. The trouble comes when Haman (BOOOO!!) sells the king on the “brilliant” idea of exterminating the Jewish people because they think for themselves and follow G-d. On top of this Haman (BOO!!) has a beef with Mordecai because Mordecai wouldn’t bow to him because Mordecai only bows to G-d. At the end of the day G-d lead Esther to risk her life to speak on behalf of the Jewish people and King Achi rights his wrong. So now we celebrate each year by wearing costumes, re-telling the Megillah (the Purim story), and eating food.

What I love about this holiday is that G-d worked supernaturally in a very natural way. You know in the book of Esther G-d’s name is never mentioned yet, metaphorically speaking, His hand is written all over it. He ordained things so perfectly so Esther would be in the palace at the right time and have enough favor with the king to be used by G-d to save her people. This can remind each of us that G-d is working in our lives even when we don’t see it. Another part of the story I love is that Esther was scared. That’s right SCARED. Most of us have probably heard the line about courage not being the absence of fear, but I don’t think we understand how true that is. Many brave people were courageous not because they did their daring feats with reckless abandon but because they did it when they were mortified. Esther is one of those heroes who reminds we can all chose to brave and answer G-d’s call, trusting that even when He asks us to do something hard, yes even terrifying, it will work out for our good. That’s the best part of the story that we can all find the courage through the Ruach (Holy Spirit) to follow G-d’s call into the unknown of life.

All this gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate so without further ado here is Purim in five steps.

1) Celebrate with G-d

Whether a simple prayer of thanks, a song of praise, or meditating on what He did through the Scriptures in the book of Esther, this is the best way to not only celebrate with G-d but to celebrate who He is.

2) Wear a Costume

I take costumes very, VERY seriously, but I get it it’s not everyone’s jam. However, it can be as simple as wearing a t-shirt with a favorite character or movie. For example, wearing a Captain America shirt. I’ll be taking my own advice (we’ll see how that goes) on Tuesday and wear a themed shirt and save the full costume for my synagogue’s Purim party.

3) Make Hamantashen

Okay, it’s about to get real. Hamantashen, literally means Haman’s ear, and while the name may sound gruesome this geometric jam-filled cookie is nothing short of delicious. However, nowadays these triangle shaped cookies can be filled with anything from chocolate-hazelnut spread *wink* to well just about anything. If you don’t have time to bake these cookies are worth the trip to the supermarket.

4) Give to Those in Need (Shalach Manot)

It is traditional to give to the less fortunate in your community at Purim and these gifts are called Shalach Manot. This is a truly beautiful tradition and what better why to celebrate how much we have been given than by sharing it with others.

5) Enjoy the Holiday with Those You Love

As with any holiday Purim is best spent with family and friends. Whether at the synagogue or in your home, enjoying fellowship with loved ones is part of what makes this holiday special.

Well, that’s it for now;the next post will be in about 6 months, just kidding. As always feel free to comment below, or like and share this post. Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday) and remain to be brave this Purim!!