Today is Purim

Today is Purim, the celebration of the survival of the Jewish people from King Ahasuerus’ minister’s (Haman) plot to destroy them in ancient Persia. Mordecai’s cousin Esther married the king in order to save herself and the Jews. The story of Esther (“Megillah”) is read out loud and when Haman’s name is mentioned, it is met with shouting and noise makers (groggers). Children and adults wear costumes for the reading of the Megillah.  Part of the Purim celebration is the eating of hamantashen, a three-sided cookie filled with poppy seeds, prunes, or other fruit jams. The JHSNJ Cookbook is coming and should have at least one recipe for making hamantashen. If you have a Jewish recipe you would like to share, please read the instructions we have published on how to submit your recipe for consideration.