Jewish Purim Message

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PURIM SERMONS - MESSAGES
Purim recipes follow at bottom of this page.

THE STORY OF PURIM, ITSELF, AS 'THE STORY'

Esther, Mordecai, King Ahasuerus, and Haman are well-known to almost every Jew. In fact, their story is probably more often re-told by Jews than almost any other Biblical saga.

But, why is this fact so important?
Is it the message of the story? God's role in it? It's lessons for modern Israeli or American life?
Probably, all of the above.
But, perhaps also because it is a story that is shared from generation-to-generation. One which easily engages both children and teenager, alike.

Stories, especialy when true are a powerful tool. -
Our faith faces many obstacles. One of which is assimilation. Another is mass media. - Yet, stories as exciting and vividly portrayed as that of Esther, hold the power to draw Jews deeper into their faith, by piquing the curiosity for delving into other Biblical stories. For learning more of how and when and why God acted upon our behalf. For absorbing God's words... His commandments.

Stories can be the lure for reeling children in. Out of the sea so laden with trash.
The story of Purim is worth sharing.
So, when offering your child, neice, nephew, or grandchild that hamantashen, serve it along with a re-telling of the story. Then, wash it all down with love. And, thanks to God.

Amen.

TIME TO UNMASK OURSELVES

Purim. Often viewed by Jew and non-Jew, alike, as our Mardi Gras, our Halloween, our time of unbridled joy and revelry.

How many American Jews recognize the names of Esther, King Ahasuerus, Haman, or Mordechai? Or can do more than vaguely associate them with Purim?

Masquerade.
Jewish children often don masks of these key figures from our Bible, during Purim parties. - As we grow older, we tend to keep some of these masks on, daily. Especially, the mask of a Jew who does not want to be publicly identified as one.
A fear of anti-semitic treatment or even negative stereotypical comments. A desire to assimilate into our society, not only on a secular level, but on a quasi-religious one, as well. Evidenced by pour celebrating Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, St. Joseph's Day, even Easter. A fear of acknowledging our minority status. Hoping to avoid feeling like an outsider... A part of the minority which we truly are. Perhaps, for some, even a trace of embarassment at not knowing more concerning our religion, it's rich history, its beautiful traditions.

But, the time has come! Take off your mask! Become as brave as Esther, as wise as Mordechai, as true to yourself as you deserve to be, and an involved, observant Jew, as God hopes that you will be.
Teach your children, of your faith and of God's commandments. Speak of His power, love, mercy, forgiveness, and fairness.
Teach by example, so that your children feel free and proud to be Jewish!
Live your life in such a way that you are free to expose your true face, your faith, and your heart... No longer hidden by a mask.

Amen.

MOM'S PURIM CANDY

1/2 lb poppy seeds
1 lb walnuts, shelled and coarsely chopped
1 lb honey

Cook honey over medium heat until it bubbles around the sides. Add poppy seeds and nuts, mix well making sure to mix from the bottom and sides of pot. Cook 20-25 minutes, until it hardens slightly when dropped onto a plate.

Wet a wooden board with cold water and spread out candy to 1/4 inch thickness. Let it cool for about an hour. Using a wet knife, cut the candy into strips and the strips into squares or rectangles. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Purim Patties
Yield: about 3 dozen

l package Chinese noodles
2 cups (dry roasted) unsalted peanuts
1 package chocolate chips

Mix the noodles and peanuts in a large bowl and set aside.

Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler (NOT in the microwave) and, when melted, mix with the noodle peanut mix. Mix well so that everything is coated with the chocolate.

Drop by teaspoonsful onto a waxpaper-covered cookie sheet until set.

These keep indefinitely, in the event there are any left over.