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Purim

The Jewish Holiday of PurimPURIM IS THE JOYOUS HOLIDAY that celebrates the rescue of the Jews of Persia from annihilation. Along with reading the biblical Book of Esther (often called the megillah) on Purim, we dress up in costumes, share a festive meal, give gifts to our friends, and money to those in need.

On Purim you eat hamantaschen, triangular cookies with a filling (poppy and jam are popular options). Hamantaschen means Haman's pockets, and various legends connect the triangular pastries with Haman's hat, ears, and pockets. Many people put their hamantaschen in small packages of foods and gifts, which they distribute to friends and to the poor. Finally, a festive meal at home closes the holiday. It is traditional to serve alcohol, as well as a sumptuous feast, at this meal.

Holiday descriptions provided by Kveller.com.

Purim Books

Here is a list of Purim-related books sent out by the PJ Library program this year and in past years.

  • Review All the Purim Books

    • Purim Activities

    Below are some fun Purim activities the whole family can enjoy.
  • Make Some Hamantaschen
    A great recipe posted on Kveller.com

  • "The Purim Story" By Shalom Sesame
    The Purim story featuring Muppets from Rechov Sumsum and Sesame Street.

  • A Purim Costume Roundup
    A collection of homemade Purim costumes from Modern Jewish Mom.

  • Purim Mask Collage
    An ecclectic mix of Purim mask craft posts from the Zshuk Jewish Children's Art Initiative.

  • Send Purim Gifts
    MyJewishLearning.com offers this advice for the tradition of Mishloach Manot.

  • Origami for Kids: Mishloah Manot Gift Baskets
    A unique Purim craft project form Bible Belt Balabusta.

  • Learn About Purim
    InterfaithFamily.com offers a "Take a Chance! Celebrate Purim" booklet for download and family reading.

  • "Purim Video with Joey and Dingo"
    Kveller.com presents two puppets, Joey and Dingo. One likes to celebrate Purim in a calm way; the other likes to party wild!

  • Purim Dolls
    Kveller.com writer Meredith Jacobs shares the blueprints for toys that will help you and your kids retell the Purim story.

  • Princess of Persia: A Purim Story
    This G-dcast cartoon introduces Esther, the young woman at the middle of the famous Purim story.

      • Purim on Parenting Blogs

    • "What Can We Learn from Purim"
      The "Minnesota Mamaleh" puts on a family play while telling the story of Purim.

    • "Reusable Snack Bags for Purim Mishloach Manot"
      The Upper West Side Mom sews Purim gift bags with her daughters.

    • Eric Kimmel Reads and Discusses "The Story of Esther"
      Homeshuling writer Amy Meltzer interviews Eric Kimmel.

    • "Dressing Up + Improvising = Great Purim Party"
      MatzoBallSoup.com presents this account of a great Purim celebration.

      • (Trans)Denominational Purim Resources

      Check out the Purim resources provided by these Jewish organizations and movements:

    • Jewish Outreach Institute
    • Society for Humanistic Judaism
    • Union for Reform Judaism
    • United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
    • Orthodox Union
    • Chabad
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