Tag
Purim
11 articles
Judaism and Alcohol: Wine, Ritual, and the Art of Moderation
Wine is woven into nearly every Jewish ritual — from Shabbat kiddush to the Passover seder to the wedding ceremony. But Judaism also warns against excess, using Noah's drunkenness as a cautionary tale.
Purim Costumes: Why We Dress Up and What to Wear
Every Purim, Jews around the world dress in costumes — children and adults alike. The tradition connects to themes of hidden identity, divine concealment, and the joyful reversal at the heart of the Purim story.
Hamantaschen Recipe: The Iconic Purim Cookie
The classic hamantaschen recipe — triangle-shaped Purim cookies with poppy seed, prune, chocolate, and halva fillings. Includes history, folding technique, and tips for perfect results.
Purim: The Festival of Joy
Costumes, noisemakers, gifts of food, and the dramatic reading of the Megillah — Purim is the most festive and fun holiday in the Jewish calendar.
The Four Parshiyot: Special Shabbatot Before Passover
In the weeks before Passover, four special Torah readings transform ordinary Shabbatot into stepping stones of preparation — from Temple tax to Amalek's remembrance, from purification to the counting of a new month.
Queen Esther: Courage in Hiding
Esther — the Jewish queen who hid her identity in the Persian court and risked her life to save her people from genocide — is the heroine of the Purim story and one of the most compelling figures in the Bible.
The Book of Esther: Courage, Concealment, and Purim's Origin Story
The Book of Esther tells the dramatic story of a Jewish queen who saves her people from genocide — and never once mentions God's name. It is the origin story of Purim and one of the most theatrical books in the Bible.
Simcha: The Jewish Obligation to Be Joyful
Judaism commands joy. Not as a feeling to wait for, but as a practice to cultivate — through holidays, song, dance, gratitude, and the radical teaching of Rebbe Nachman that it is 'a great mitzvah to always be happy.'
Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther): A Day of Prayer Before Purim
The Fast of Esther is a minor fast day observed the day before Purim, commemorating Queen Esther's three-day fast before approaching the king to save the Jewish people.
Tractate Megillah: Purim Laws and the Power of the Scroll
Tractate Megillah governs the reading of the Book of Esther on Purim and the broader laws of Torah reading in synagogue — connecting celebration with sacred obligation.
Purim Seudah Menu: The Festive Feast of Joy
The Purim seudah is a festive feast of joy and abundance — here is how to plan a menu that includes hamantaschen, hearty mains, and plenty of wine.