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Using the Purim Schpiel to Explore Jewish Identity
Luba Proger and Leonid Khanin are a husband-and-wife team who investigate Jewish identity through art. One of their recent projects, is a very non-traditional staging of the traditional Purim schpiel, or story, which celebrates the salvation of the Jews in ancient Persia thanks to the cleverness of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who prevailed over the evil Haman, who planned to annihilate the Jews.
Celebrating Purim with Shalom Sesame: The Whole Megillah
Watch this Shalom Sesame video with your children to learn about the story of Purim, then try some of the fun discussion ideas and activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators.
Celebrating Purim with Shalom Sesame: Costumes
Together with your children, watch these Shalom Sesame videos to learn about how Purim is celebrated. Then try some of the discussion ideas and activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators to reinforce the lessons in the videos.
Celebrating Purim with Shalom Sesame: Baking Hamantaschen
Enjoy these Shalom Sesame videos with your children and follow up with engaging discussion ideas and activities.
Purim Superhero
Nate and his classmates are working on their Purim costumes. All the boys in his class are planning to wear superhero costumes, but Nate loves aliens and would like to dress as an alien. Reluctantly, Nate decides to dress like the other boys as a superhero -- until one of his dads reminds Nate of the Purim story.
Purim: Women's Rights and the Story of Esther
In 2023, Purim falls within days of International Women's Day. While Purim always provides an opportunity to reflect upon how Esther's story relates to women's rights, its proximity to International Women's Day this year reinforces the focus on women's rights that is present in both holidays.
Make Your Own Crown, Tiara or a Very, Very Silly Hat!
Simple materials and your own creativity are all you need!
Purim: History
The story of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, one of the books in the Ketuvim (Writings) section of the Bible. It is set in the land of Persia (current day Iran) at the time when Ahashverosh was king. King Ahashverosh held a banquet in the capital city of Shushan and ordered his queen, Vashti, to come and dance before his guests. She refused to appear and lost her royal position.
Purim: Customs and Rituals
In the Book of Esther, we read that Purim is a time for "feasting and merrymaking," as well as for "sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor" (Esther 9:22).