Purim

So what is Purim? To learn the entire story it would be best to read the book of Esther several times. The summary of the celebration is found in chapter 9:20-22

And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.

This celebration that began long, long, ago is still celebrated by Jewish people today! Here are some of the customs they added:

Reading the book of Esther several times daily
Fasting
Making Hamantaschen Cookies
Making Groggers to shake when Haman’s name is mentioned during the reading of Esther
Dressing up in fun costumes

The official Jewish date is the 14th day of Adar, and the Gregorian date is March 10. However, because of our freedom in Christ Jesus, we celebrated on Saturday, February 28 as that suited our schedule. We have actually been preparing for over a month now. This is our first round of celebrating Biblical Holidays, so we have a lot to learn/

We attempted to make Hamatanschen cookies. And while it was fun I know for certain that the Lord will not place me in the kitchen in the mansion He has prepared for us! We’re talking the food processor started smoking! But Sweetness learned how to make a triangle from a circle! And Cutie Pie thought the jelly was delicious! We also made some paper dolls and re-enacted the Esther story and constructed a lapbook!

We planned a fish feast with our neighbors! The kids were to dress up like “Hawaiian Princesses” wearing hoola skirts and flower necklaces. We planned to read from the book of Esther and had gift bags of food to send home with our neighbors. However, the neighbors called to report they were ill and would not be able to come! So we feasted without them.

As I stated, I have a lot to learn. One lesson was not to try and simulate every added custom, but rather to stay close to the Biblical outline celebration and add my own traditions as the Holy Spirit leads!

Passover is next! Thank you Lord for the freedom in Christ to celebrate special days in memory of you and your WONDERFUL WORKS!