What is Purim?
The Purim story takes place over a nine-year span, during the period of Jewish exile from Israel following the destruction of the First Temple (about 2,500 years ago). The Jewish People were saved from genocide -- at the last moment -- through a miraculous chain of events.

Only after this Divinely ordained "jigsaw puzzle" came together was it apparent to the Jews of the time that, despite all their tribulations, God had been manipulating events all along for their good. This is in fact the central theme of Purim: Though God seems hidden from the world, He is always behind the scenes, running it all to our best long-term advantage.

How to celebrate Purim
There are 4 good-deed to celebrate

"They are to observe these as days of feasting and gladness, and for s
ending delicacies to one another, and giving gifts to the poor". (Esther 9:22)

1) MEGILLAT ESTHER: We read the story of Purim in the evening and the next day.
- Men, women, and children are required to to listen to the whole megillah.
- The Megillah is read twice -- first at night, and again the next day.
- The Megillah, which is called an "Iggeret" (a letter), is folded open before being read.
- It is customary to make noise when the name of Haman is mentioned.


2) SENDING GIFTS OF FOOD: To at least one friend or relative, because Purim is a time of love.
- One is obligated to give at least one gift to one fellow Jew. The more the better.
- The gift must consist of at least two items of food, ready to eat.


3) GIVING GIFTS OF MONEY TO THE POOR: Because Purim is a time of sharing and caring.
- One should give a gift of money, sufficient for one meal, to at least two poor people.
- Funds must be available on the day of Purim.


4) EATING A FESTIVE PURIM MEAL: The special holiday meal eaten on Purim afternoon.
- It is obligatory to partake of a festive meal on the day of Purim.
- It is customary to eat food with seeds - e.g., Hamentashen with poppy seed filling.
- One should drink more wine than one is accustomed to.

Hamentashen with Yeast Dough

Hamentashen with Chocolate Cookie Dough

INGREDIENTS: 1 package (2-1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast 1/3-cup sugar 1-teaspoon salt 4 cups flour 1-cup warm water 1/3-cup vegetable oil 1 large eggEgg Wash:1 large egg 1-tablespoon waterFillingPurchased filling of your choice! Combine all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together all liquid ingredients. Gradually add dry ingredients to the liquid to form a dough. Knead dough for 5 - 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Spray a large mixing bowl with Pam and place dough inside. Spray Pam on dough and cover loosely with a towel until dough doubles in size. Punch down dough. Divide into thirds on a lightly floured surface. Roll out each piece until it is ?-inch thick. Cut out 3 -inch rounds. Reroll scraps. Place filling in the center of each dough round. Fold three sides up to form a triangle, leaving some filling exposed in the center. Place hamentashen 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Cover again and let rise at room temperature until nearly double, about one hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush tops of the hamentashen with the egg wash. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup margarine 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1-teaspoon vanilla 1-1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup cocoa 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Suggested fillings: One small Reese's peanut butter cup (dairy) One-tablespoon marshmallow fluff (pareve [non-dairy]) One large Hershey's kiss (dairy) Several chocolate or butterscotch chips (pareve [nondairy]) Chocolate spread (pareve) In a large mixer combine margarine, sugar, egg and vanilla until fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add to mixer and mix briefly to blend. Chill for 1 hour. Divide dough into quarters. Roll into 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured board. Cut out 3-inch rounds. Reroll scraps. Place filling in the center of each dough round. Fold three sides up to form a triangle, leaving some filling exposed in the center. Place cookies 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until crisp. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.