TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 Inspiration 6 Purim and Spirituality 8 Purim & 9 Secrets Emerge 10 My Purim Miracle 11 Purim & Prayer 12 Dressing up in Costumes 14 Overwhelmed with Costumes 15 Costume Resources 16 Purim in Jerusalem 17 The Purim Story 20 From the Mailbox 29 The Year I Missed Purim 30 The Fast of Copyright 2016 31 Organizing your Purim Plans Portland Kollel 32 Ideas 33 Special Purim Foods 6688 SW Capitol Hwy. 35 Eve’s Favorite Hamantaschen Portland, OR 97219 36 Allison’s Magic Dough 503 245 5420 39 Pistachio Hamantaschen 40 www.portlandkollel.org 43 Eve’s Strawberry Salad [email protected] 44 Aviva’s Butternut Squash Soup 47 No-Fail / 48 Chagit’s Colorful 50 Savta Mazel’s Tunisian Fish 53 Bubby Hariette’s Chummus 54 Eve’s One Bowl Pumpkin Muffins PURIM INSPIRATION

When I started putting this booklet together, I reached out to some friends, family and mentors from around the world, asking them to share some Purim inspiration with me.

I received responses like: ”Purim inspiration? Purim is so stressful! I do not have anything uplifting to share with you, Eve.” Here was another honest response: “So I really have been thinking about what I can add to your -Purim booklet, but Purim is my most challenging holi ליהודים היתה אורה day. I don’t have any tips or tricks, except for making it ”.to the end sane. Sorry, Eve ושמחה וששון ויקר After hearing similar responses again and again, I knew For the Jews there was light and that I needed to get to work on this Purim booklet of inspiration...and get it out to my all my friends around happiness, joy and prestige. the world -- and fast!

Purim is meant to be a super holiday. It is one of the most joyous days of the year. It should not be looked upon as a day to just survive -- it needs to be a day to which you can connect and thrive!

We all know that it is only through connecting to our Judaism with utmost joy that we will be able to serve Hashem with all our hearts and souls. I hope this book- let will give you some food for thought, ideas, inspira- tion, and most of all, a deeper love for this powerful holiday.

A disclaimer: Some of the stories that I will share with you in these pages are personal, emotional, and straight from my heart.

So here it goes, from my heart to yours, with love…

Eve Levy

February 2016 - Adar 5776

4 5 To understand, let’s discuss Purim and the four special mitzvot of the day - PURIM & SPIRITUALITY (I like to call them “The Four M’s”). Here they are in no particular order: (hearing the Scroll of Esther), Matanot l’evyonim (giving charity to the poor), Mishte (having a festive meal), and Mishloach Manot (giving Purim has baskets of food to our friends). always been a favorite holiday of mine.

As a child it is an obvious favorite with all the nosh, parties, and excitement of the day. Even through my adult years, I still find this holiday to be the perfect balance of fun, spiritual connection, and, best of all, a holiday in which the ‘sky is the limit’ with using your creativity to serve G-d.

I look forward to Purim all year long.

According to Rabbi Isaac Luria, the Kabbalistic master known as the Arizal, Purim is the highest point of the year spiritually. I know what you’re thinking: “Say what? Did I hear you correctly?” I had the same reaction when I learned this myself. Yes, Purim is compared to Yom Kippur, the day of awe and judgment. How is this possible?

Yom Kippur, the day on which we stand in Many wear a kittel on Yom Kippur, an all-white garment representing purity. All of these do’s prayer before our Creator in and don’ts are to help us resemble the angels. all day, with hearts filled with regret as we lightly bang our right fist over our left chest, On Purim, by comparison, we dress in silly costumes, drink and are merry. The music blasts, asking G-d to forgive us for all our sins. On even our holy Rabbis loosen up and act silly by putting on Purim Shpiels and the like. There is Yom Kippur we abstain from five things: so much to accomplish in that one day, it’s just insane. It is pretty much a crazy day! We don’t eat or drink, wear leather shoes, use creams or makeup on our body, or These two days seem like the two most polar opposite days in the Jewish calendar. What have intimate relations. connection can one possibly have to the other?

6 4 7 PURIM & YOM KIPPUR SECRETS EMERGE

Celebrating and drinking seems so unholy! Judaism is (usually) exciting time, after all, and that home in Glenhazel, Johannesburg, all about balance. We are encouraged to enjoy life’s pleasures was overflowing with Purim spirit! The second Levy boy (Gilly) was and partake of them, but not to overdo it, nor become a glutton getting married in two days’ time, and the third Levy (Gadi) just or greedy. Maimonides speaks of the middle path as being the returned home engaged. When it rains, it pours. In the midst of best road to take. It’s perfectly acceptable to have a sip of wine Purim festivities and wedding hoopla, things were spiralling out for Friday night or even a nice glass to wind down after a of control. The excitement kept escalating and escalating until the difficult day – but drinking to excess, as it is written in the Megilla: family danced into the master bedroom, myself trailing behind, “until you don’t know the difference between blessing unsure if I should cry or laugh. To top it all off, Gadi ended up fully and cursing Mordechai?” Oy vey iz mir, this does not look very dressed in the Jacuzzi! good. I sat on the edge of the bed amid the chaos and excitement, Our sages have taught us that “when the wine goes in, the secrets wondering if I could catch a flight back to Israel and still make it in come out.” I have experienced the truth of this expression. time for Shabbos! As if Gadi was reading my thoughts, he then proclaimed his love for me in front of his family. Classy Gadi. Very True story: 15 years ago, Gadi and I got engaged on Rosh nice. Chodesh Adar and Purim was in the air in Jerusalem. After a whirlwind period of dating, I was so happy with my groom, and I will never forget that very first time my husband publicly said, “I he with me. We wanted to spend every second together, and so, love you, Eve,” I was completely mortified. since he was heading home for Purim and his brother’s wedding, I joined him, too. Off we flew to South Africa -- me, a 19-year-old Our sages tell us that there are three things that can help you from Canada and my soon-to-be husband, a 24-year-old South understand a person. You can see a person’s true essence by I love You. I want to be Purim and Yom Kippur, two seemingly opposite days in the Jewish calendar. Both African. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was sure it was going to watching how generous he is, what type of temperament he has good. I want to serve are powerful ones during which G-d wants to see what is truly in our hearts. be wonderful. (if he has a temper), and what he’s like when he has had a few You. I am not there yet, On Yom Kippur, when we stand in front of G-d and make many promises to G-d, drinks. In Hebrew the saying goes: Al Shlosha D’varim Ha’adam but that is where my it is as if we are standing in front of a distorted mirror. It is not completely us, There I was, in a far-away country, meeting a family I did not Nicar: B’Kiso, B’Ka’aso, U’bKoso -- there are three things that tell heart would want to dressed and acting like an angel, telling G-d that I will never sin again. It’s where know. They were wonderful to me, but clearly we had different you about a person’s true essence: His pocket, His anger, and his be. you would like to be but it’s not truly where you are. customs and came from different cultures. cup.

Purim is like standing in front of a real-life mirror. We strip away all of those lay- I was from an Ashkenazi family who had become observant in Although the first Purim spent together with my future husband ers that surround us. We peel away all that holds us back, and only then can we my youth, and he was Sephardic on both sides of his family, and almost had me running for the hills, I still saw the goodness inside turn to Hashem and with a pure heart say “G-d, this is who I am. Take it or leave from a long line of rabbis. We even spoke a different language: him and his outpouring of love towards me and for his family. it. I love You. I want to be good. I want to serve You. I am not there yet, but that is I, a Canadian (eh?), and he, a South African (lekka!). When he said Poor guy, he meant well. I allowed him to sober up and gave him where my heart would want to be.” “Just now,” he actually meant “later.” He called the trunk of the another chance. The next year, during our first year of marriage, I car “the boot.” You get the drift? It was a little awkward, to say the made sure that he did not drink ANYTHING. That was my way of The real, raw, sincere and authentic you is just what G-d wants to see. least. paying him back for that first awkward Purim together. But since Now we understand how Purim and Yom Kippurim are on equal spiritual footing. then, we have enjoyed Purim while of course staying smart and Now this is starting to make a lot of sense. But then to make things go from bad to worse, my husband- safe. to-be begin to truly celebrate Purim with his brothers. It was an 8 9 MY PURIM MIRACLE PURIM Purim is a powerful time of year. Just as during the Days home and smile and celebrate. Yes, we went to see ge- of Awe, so too on Purim we believe that Teshuva/ re- netic counselors, to hear what they had to say. AND PRAYER pentance, Tefilla/ prayer, and / charity have the Purim is known to be an auspicious time for too focused on the little details, the food, the power to remove an evil decree. We visited with the top ultrasound specialist in Israel and prayer. costumes and all the excitement that I did not find the time to connect, pray, or be in the mo- paid for a private session to clarify what the situation was But sometimes, there have been Purims that ment of holiness. It is so easy to miss it. In a snap Twelve years ago, I was expecting my second baby. Being with our baby. He could not tell us anything other than have been so busy and hectic that I barely had a the day is gone. pregnant is always an exciting time, to hold life within what was originally seen. There was not much we could few minutes to myself to pray. you and to dream of the unborn child. It was the month do. But wait, there actually was. Purim was coming and I There is a famous parable about a man who of Adar and the sounds and sights of Purim filled the the knew that during this time of year Hashem made mira- One Purim was so intense that I could barely will be rewarded by the king. He will be able catch my breath! The day started with my hus- to go into the king’s storeroom of jewels and air in Jerusalem. I had my 21-week ultrasound booked, cles for us. Anything was possible. Any decree in heaven band reading the Megillah at the seminary that treasures and take whatever he wants. He will and told my husband he need not take off from yeshiva could be changed and turned from bad to good. I was working in, and then we rushed home only have a short time. Whatever he takes out to accompany me. “It’s just a routine ultrasound,” I told to serve a breakfast meal to the 70 wonderful with him in that time is his to keep. Sounds like him. “I’ve done this before, I will be fine on my own.” Well, Fortified with this new hope, I threw myself into Purim seminary students. I made sure to bless each fun! The problem was the treasure room was the Russian technician started the ultrasound, and I was like never before. We gave charity above and beyond girl with heartfelt blessing before they left my full of distractions, his favorite band was playing home. in one corner, and there was a smorgasbord smiling and watching as she measured and clicked, typed what we could afford, we prepared and hosted a meal that was more delicious and spectacular than he and looked. It was taking some time. It didn’t even occur made for kings and queens, and, more than anything, By the time the last girl left and I finally finished had ever seen. He spends a few minutes here to me to pray. After all, I took it for granted that every- we prayed. We prayed like never before. We pierced the cleaning up -- and then again setting up for the and a few minutes there enjoying the pleasures thing would be just fine, as was the case with my first heavens on that Purim day. Purim passed, the mess was next meal we had planned for family, yeshiva around him, and before he knows it, his time child. eventually cleaned up (except for the wine stain that bochurim, and friends -- I remembered looking is up and he has to leave the treasure room at my watch and seeing that I had literally five empty-handed. He is devastated at the loss of surely remains on the wall of our little apartment on 7 minutes till the next group of guests would what he could have had. He sits down and puts Half an hour later, she called in the doctor. He was a no- Rechov Ibn Shaprut in Shaarei Chesed, Jerusalem), and begin to arrive. I asked my husband to watch his head in his arms to cry. Looking down at his nonsense type of person, and he took over the machine, life went on. the kids, went out to the porch and prayed so shoes he notices something glimmering. A small zooming in and clicking away. By this time, I knew some- intensely, letting the tears flow freely, asking for diamond had made its way into his shoe. He thing looked wrong. I was trembling. Finally, the doctor In my heart I felt that something was lifted during that huge things, things that only G-d could give me. brightens up a bit. And wait! Another gem he I didn’t have too much time to pray, but I knew found in the cuff of his pants. and another. and explained that the ultrasound showed what appeared to intense Purim. I was calmer. I was happier. I was com- that it would have to be quality and not quantity. yet one more. Four beautiful diamonds. Enough be a golf-ball-sized hole in the heart of my baby. This sign forted by the thought that come what may, Hashem was My day was filled with serving, cleaning, cooking, to bring home and provide for his family! was indicative of things an expectant mother does not with us in our journey with our baby. With His help I was caring and giving to others. want to know of. prepare for anything. We, too, get distracted during Purim. There I told Hashem: “I want to be Your vessel, I want are so many things that pull us away from the to be an ‘eved Hashem’-- I just want to serve intense power of the day. We let the day often I left the clinic, turned the corner and dialed my hus- I breezed through the last trimester of my pregnancy you.” This was during a time that I was having fly by without taking it all in. OK, we got in a band to pick me up. He heard fear in my voice and came and gave birth to our son, Shimshy, who was born in the some health issues. I had had two previous Megillah reading or two, a festive meal, Mish- speeding over on his motor bike. I was a mess. I could summer. He was, thank G-d, born healthy and complete. miscarriages during the two years before, and I loah Manot -- that one is fun and easy -- and barely get the words out and explain what I had just I had the doctors check his heart over and over as I could was hoping to be blessed with a child. Hashem Tzedakah (that one can sometimes feel more learnt. All I saw was black. not believe my eyes. One thing is for sure, Shimshy’s heard my prayers! Ten months later, I was challenging). blessed with our second son, Yossi. heart is made out of pure gold. It is very complete. By doing these four mitzvot on Purim, we have This was the one Purim that I did not feel like throwing And while there have been good Purims, I am four diamonds -- four shining diamonds -- that myself into. I just wanted to stay in bed and cry all day. This was my Purim miracle. embarassed to admit that there have been will bring blessing to our lives. I was in no mood to host our annual Purim meal in our Purims where I literally missed the day. I was

11 10 7 begged him to get back into bed and rest. He was, at the time, under a tions. As it turned out, it was both therapeutic and a welcome distrac- lot of stress and we read that Bell’s Palsy is often stress-induced. He re- tion for me. We joked about dressing up as pirates and wearing black mained in bed and I left to take the kids to school and carry on with my patches, just like the one that Gadi wore over his eye. For our family day. A few hours later, he walked into the office at the JCC to prepare costume theme, we decided to dress up as ugly ogres, monsters the for his class. When I saw him, I jumped out of my seat. He looked aw- likes of which no one has seen. Our home was filled with the sounds of ful! I was horrified for people to see him looking like that, horrified for laughter, which helped considerably to relieve my stress and tension. him and for myself. I wanted him to hide until everything got back to normal. I even suggested putting a big brown paper bag over his head, Things started feeling a bit better. I felt it was going to be OK. Under and I really meant it. He, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind, he that “mask” was my beautiful husband, Gadi. I started to ignore the wasn’t embarrassed. He just wanted to carry on with what he was busy stares we got in the street. I didn’t mind being out with Gadi in public. working on. Let the world see a beautiful person, not from his external appearance, Day 2: Gadi was planning to accompany but from within. me to my Thursday ladies “lunch and learn” class; he even planned to give the Slowly but surely, Gadi’s face started class. I told him he really did not need to to improve. I know that Hashem come, that we could take a rain check. I put me through this test in order felt so uncomfortable. He was wear- to grow. I was hiding behind many Dressing Up in Costumes?! ing a black pirate’s patch. He had tape masks, and I had to emerge. over his eye and the patch kept falling Did you ever see the Rabbi dressed like a nun? How about the principal as a off. He had to hold up half of his face in We all tend to hide behind masks. Hawaiian princess? Stranger things have happened on Purim. order not to slur his words. I sat there Those masks might be in the form of On Purim, we dress up in costumes, to let our defenses down and open up to in my friend’s living room, holding back our daily jobs, our financial wealth, the deeper reality of ourselves and our world. All our current problems and life’s my tears. The women in the class were our clothing, the cars we drive, the imperfections blend into good, until they become one unified expression of the throwing me pitying glances. Yet, Gadi homes we live in. But these things Almighty’s infinite perfection. insisted on giving the class in its entirety. may only be a façade, and may not represent who we really are. Here is a true story to explain the deeper idea of back to helping the kids get dressed. That’s when I sat there, feeling so miserable about dressing up on Purim. I heard him call me: “Eve, something strange has my husband’s appearance. Yet, some- What about the kind acts we per- happened to me… I can’t close my eye. I can’t move thing inside me felt proud of him, the form, the charity we give, the people My Purim Mask by Eve Levy my face… I can’t smile.” way he refused to give into that ailment, we touch, the hardships we help refused to allow it to get him down. My others overcome? Those are true Exactly two years ago, G-d sent me a test. I came to see what he was talking about. Sure emotions were on a roller coaster; I was representations of who we really are! enough, there was my husband sitting up in bed, both saddened and impressed. One chilly February night, my husband and I were trying to wiggle his face, but only half his face had On Purim, there is a custom to dress joyously dancing at the wedding of close friends of any movement. Within a few minutes, and after a This continued for six long weeks. He was very weak. He needed to rest up in costume. Ever wonder why such a silly custom on such a holy ours in Denver. We arrived home tired but happy. quick Google search, we self-diagnosed his situa- a lot. He was going for acupuncture and taking heavy steroid medica- day? My husband had been complaining of an earache tion as Bell’s Palsy, which is a form of facial paraly- tions. As challenging as it was on him, I was the one who was taking it that day. He even asked a doctor at the wedding sis, causing an inability to control facial muscles on terribly hard! I was traumatized and devastated. I cried so much during The Hebrew word for clothing is beged. It is the same root as the He- to take a look in his ear. There was not much we the affected side. Often the eye cannot close. We those weeks. I was a complete wreck! brew word bo’ged, which means “traitor.” Our clothes often betray who could do for his discomfort, and he eventually he read that 10 percent of people with Bell’s Palsy do we really are. The way we dress can easily misrepresent the person. fell asleep. I woke up the next morning and started not fully recover. Gadi’s eyes were red and tearing But I noticed something very interesting – our kids barely noticed On Purim, Hashem doesn’t care so much about the outer trappings. By getting the kids ready for school, preparing lunch- from the dryness. His face looked very frightening it. They loved their father just the same. They weren’t frightened or dressing in costumes, we are making a declaration, as if to say that our es and doing the usual busy morning activities. to me. He tried to smile, to show me it was going repulsed by his look. They snuggled close to him and always wanted to clothing is just a misrepresentation of our true self. to be OK. I burst out crying and asked him to try be around him, just as always. Even though Gadi looked “ugly” on the I noticed my husband, Gadi, was still in bed. This not to smile. outside, he was still beautiful, kind and gentle on the inside. Hashem is much more interested in our true inner essence. It’s what’s was unusual, as he usually wakes up early in inside that counts. order to arrive on time for his morning prayers It was scary! I was in a state of shock. I was waiting Purim was approaching, and I tried to throw myself into the prepara- and learning. I gently tried to wake him and went for him to just snap out of this. But he didn’t. I

12 13 OVERWHELMED WITH COSTUMES? COSTUME RESOURCES Just for fun! READ THIS BEAUTIFUL LETTER Over the years we have had lots of fun dressing the family up in cute themes. This a really fun Jewish custom- althought it is not mandated by Jewish law! For creative people, this is a wonderful outlet. Enjoy, and Purim on! To be quite honest, It can be hard to find a theme that everyone in the family agrees on. There is always one sour face in the family picture, muttering under his or her breath how stupid this year’s theme is. You can Aviel Brodkin, Portland, OR never please everyone!

Dear Women Who Are Not Purim-talented, Some Purim Themes • Chassidim • Minnie Mouse and Mickey Are you like me, not interested in sewing costumes? Not interested in decorating food, because it never • Raggedy Ann and Andy Mouse turns out right anyways? • Clowns • Smurfs • Chinese costumes • Waldo Or what about the complete embarrassment you feel when an over-the-top Shalach Manos package • A BBQ Picnic • Thing 1 & Thing 2 arrives at your door with rhyming riddles, home-baked goods, with deliverers in matching themed cos- • Mice • Peanut Butter & Jelly tumes? • Flowers (You can just imagine • Mr Potato Head Family how much my husband hated • Farmer And then.. you hand them home-popped popcorn and a hamantasch – with the jelly running out on the that feminine one!) • Guess who game sides. Well, then you are like me! • The Shivat Haminim -- the • Hippies seven species of fruit from • Cowboys So, why do I love Purim? I love the days ahead of time. Each year, I bake those hamantaschen with my Israel. We did that one when • Pirates kids. We turn on the music, we dance, and we lick the sticky jelly that makes the anticipation for this holi- we had five kids. • Sailors day so sweet. My kids love the anticipation. I get right in on the planning, and it really never matters how • Royalty • Bakers it all turns out. • Israel soldiers • Fireman • Lollipop tree -- this was my • 60’s Theme But the excitement, that’s what it’s all about. My kids love to see me act a little sillier than usual, get a lit- kids’ dream come true :-) • Curious George tle wacky. They love visiting friends to drop off Shaloch Manos on Purim Day, and bringing whatever they can, regardless of what it looks like. I think Purim is the most important holiday for children and fami- Online Resources lies to experience the joy of giving to others. Each year, we try to think of who won’t be getting Shaloch Manos visitors on Purim? Who at the Robison Home? Who doesn’t have family nearby? My kids feel such www.kosheronabudget.com, www.aish.com, pride visiting those people and dropping off something special they’ve put together… popcorn and all. www.simpletoremember.com, Aviel www.facebook.com/groups/218669661670919/

14 15 PURIM IN JERUSALEM While we were living in Jerusalem, my come out. Moshe wanted to serve husband taught at a small American G-d better. That was his true heart. Yeshiva called Shaarei Yerushalyim. The We knew he was special but we never boys there grew really close to us, and realized just how special he was until it to a degree were part of our family. all came out that Purim.

One of my husbands students was To Moshe celebrating Purim allowed Moshe Litvenchuk. Moshe was a him to connect to his deepest inner regular in our home, appreciating a self. Just as a baby when it cries it good bowl of leftover chulent on a cries for the one thing it wants most, Saturday night, or any other food one I saw Moshe cry for the one thing he could find in our pantry. Moshe was a wanted most. In reflection I think to popular, modern orthodox, American myself, how often do any of us get the kid, spending a gap year in Israel taking opportunity to really express that which in all the excitement of Israel. is the deepest passion of our heart? In by Yaffa Ganz b my deepest self, I also want to serve The Purim Story My husband and I had a special place G-d more than anything else in the Is Purim just a fun-filled dress up holiday? Or is it something more? Perhaps it’s a in our hearts for Moshe. There was a world. I want to grow in His ways. But flip-flop, upside-down, full of surprises kind of day...not at all what you’d expect. special sensitivity that he had and we our lives are so busy, my schedule is loved him coming over. Moshe was a so tight and it is seldom that we have Over 2,000 years ago, the Holy Temple in brought the gold and silver vessels from bright intelligent guy, he was scheduled the time to connect with that part of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and used to go to medical school after his year ourselves. On Purim however we can king Nebuchadnezzar. The Jewish people them for his wild celebration... in Israel. put a mask on and show the world a were sent away from the Land of Israel and The drunken king began to brag that fake face, but behind the mask close were forced to live in Babylonia. his queen was the most beautiful That year Moshe showed up to our our eyes, and talk to G-d. We can let a Fifty years later, Babylonia was defeated by woman in the kingdom. On the last day annual Purim Seuda (our festive meal). few tears flow and tell G-d, “Hashem Persia. Achashverosh (that’s pronounced: of the feast, he commanded her to come He and bunch of guys had already been I want to be close to you, I want to Ah-chash-VEY-rosh) was the second and dance before the crowd. But Vashti celebrating at a different rabbi’s home become great. Show me the path I Persian king. He ruled 127 provinces from was the proud granddaughter of the before showing up by us and Moshe need to take” Hodu (India) to Kush (Africa) the largest, cruel Nebuchadnezzar and she refused to was slightly intoxicated. The boys strongest kingdom in the world. appear. “Am I a servant to the king?” she walked in and everyone spontaneously Sadly that was to be Moshe’s last A new king needs a new capital, so asked. In a fit of anger, the king had her started dancing and singing. Purim. Unbeknownst to us a terrible Achashverosh chose the city of Shushan. killed. cancer had slowly been eating away at To celebrate, he made a tremendous Achashverosh now needed a new queen The next moments are etched into my Moshe’s body. Soon after Moshe went feast for all the important people in the and he wanted someone even more mind forever. Moshe went over to my home for Passover he was diagnosed kingdom. It lasted for 180 days. Then he beautiful than Vashti. His men went from husband and started crying like a little and passed away soon after! Although made a second feast just for Shushan. house to house in all of Persia, taking the baby. With tears streaming down his Moshe’s life was very short, his impact Everyone in the city was invited, even the young girls away to Shushan where they cheeks, he held my husband’s hand will last forever. Each year on Purim, Jews. were kept as hostages until they were crying over and over “Rebbe, I want I try to take a few minutes out of the Mordechai, the leader of the Jews, warned brought before the king. to learn Torah! I want to be like you! craziness of the day to pray. When I his people not to go to the feast, but they In Shushan, a Jewish orphan by the Please don’t give up on me, Rebbe! do, I remember Moshe’s tears and let were afraid to disobey the king. And to tell name of Hadassah lived with her uncle Rebbe help me grow, rebbe help learn myself express the deepest desires the truth, they were honored and pleased Mordechai. When the king’s men came Torah!” of my heart . May the inspiration of to have been invited. For seven days they to her house, Mordechai said, “Don’t be this story be a merit to the late Moshe ate and drank to their heart’s content. Only afraid. Go with them. Do not tell them you Moshe was sobbing uncontrollably, and Litvenchauk A’h. May his memory be a one thing troubled them. Achashverosh are a Jewess. Tell them your Persian name so was I. There is something so special blessing in seeing one’s deepest inner passion 17 16 17 -- Esther. God will watch over you!” “you are to destroy, kill and slaughter all Jews, young and turned and finally called for his servant to bring out the “What?” he cried. “Do you dare to attack the Queen in my Esther was kind and gentle and very beautiful. As soon as old, women and children, all in one day. Their money and Royal Book and read him to sleep. The heavy book fell open palace? Take him away and hang him!” he shouted. the king saw her, he chose her as his new queen. Esther property will then belong to you.” to the story of how Mordechai the Jew had warned of the In the end, Haman was hung on the gallows he himself had appointed seven maidservants, one for each day of the When Mordechai heard of the decree, he ripped his clothing plot against the king and saved the king’s life. built for Mordechai. And Mordechai became the king’s new week, so that she would always remember which day was and put ashes on his head as a sign of mourning. He told “What reward did the Jew receive?” asked the king. prime minister in place of Haman! the Sabbath. Her meals were cooked with kosher foods. And Esther she must go to the king to try and save the Jews. “None, sir,” was the reply. According to Persian law, it was impossible to change a all the while, she kept her secret. No one knew she was a Esther was afraid, for it was forbidden to come before the “He saved my life and received no reward?!” stormed the decree stamped with the royal seal, so the king could not Jew. Everyday, Mordechai sat outside the palace gate to wait king without being invited. But Mordechai said, “Who knows king. cancel the decree against the Jews. But Mordechai was given for news from Esther. if you have not been put in the palace for this very purpose? Just then, someone knocked. It was Haman, coming for the royal signet ring to issue whatever new decrees he could One day outside the palace, Mordechai happened to hear If you are silent now, help will come to the Jews from some permission to hang Mordechai the Jew. He was in such a think of to help save the Jews. two men plotting to kill the king. He warned Esther and the other place -- and you will perish!” hurry he couldn’t even wait for the morning! Now it was Mordechai’s turn to send out a royal letter. It two men were caught and killed. Esther asked that the Jews in “Haman!” thundered the king. “Tell me, what shall be done said: On the 13th of Adar, all the Jews in the kingdom would Although it was recorded in Shushan fast and pray for her for for a man the king wishes to organize to defend themselves. the Royal Book that Mordechai three days. Mordechai gathered honor?” The Persians were more than the Jew had saved the king, the all the Jewish children in Shushan “He must be referring to me,” happy to listen to Haman and kill matter was soon forgotten. and told them to pray, too. (In thought Haman gleefully. “I Jews, but if the Jews were going Soon after, Achashverosh the end, it was the prayers of the know just the thing,” he said. to arm themselves and fight back appointed Haman -- the richest children which were answered.) “Let him wear the king’s royal under royal protection, well then, man in the kingdom -- as his new The Jews finally realized they robes. Place the king’s royal that was another story! prime minister. All the king’s should not have gone to the crown upon his head. Let him On the 13th of Adar, Jews across subjects were ordered to honor king’s feast; they should not have ride the king’s royal horse. And the kingdom assembled and Haman and bow down to him. eaten at the royal banquet nor let a servant walk before the defended themselves. Thousands Everyone did, except Mordechai. drunk the wine, nor used the horse and cry out: Thus shall of their enemies were killed, It was permissible to honor vessels from the Holy Temple. be done to the man whom the including Haman’s 10 evil sons Haman and bow to him as the They understood that this was king wishes to honor!” who were hanged from a tree. prime minister, but Haman wore their punishment for fearing the “Wonderful idea!” cried the Unlike the Persians who planned a large medallion, engraved with king more than they feared God. Achashverosh. “I shall leave to take money and property, the the picture of an idol, on his it all to you. Find Mordechai Jews took no loot at all. On the chest. Mordechai said people When the three days of prayers the Jew and do exactly as you 14th of Adar, they gave thanks to might think he was bowing to the and fasting were over, Esther described, down to the last God and celebrated. idol too, and a Jew is forbidden went to the king. “What is your detail!” But in the walled capital city of to worship or honor idols. request, my queen?” he asked. Haman did as he was Shushan, the Jews continued to “Half of my kingdom is yours for commanded, and Mordechai fight an additional day. On the Haman was furious. He went the asking!” was led with royal honor 15th of Adar the Jews of Shushan straight to the king to complain. But Esther asked only that through the streets of celebrated their victory. Therefore “There is one nation,” he said, the king and Haman come Shushan. we celebrate: “scattered throughout your kingdom, which is different from to a private banquet she was making. At the banquet, Haman returned home, a The on the 13th of all other nations. They don’t eat our food, drink our wine, or Achashverosh asked again, “What is your wish? Whatever bitter, broken man. But he had no time to brood. He had Adar marry our daughters! They don’t keep the king’s laws and you want is yours!” But Esther only invited the king and to be at the royal palace in time for the Queen’s Day on the 14th of Adar they don’t work! Every seventh day they rest and they are Haman to a second party. “How strange,” thought the king. banquet. Once again, the king asked, “What is it you desire, And in the walled city of Jerusalem, the main celebration is: always celebrating holidays. If you give me permission, I will But Haman was delighted. On his way out of the palace, he Esther? Why have you invited us here? Speak and it shall be Shushan Purim on the 15th of Adar. destroy them for you. I will even pay for any expenses from passed Mordechai at the gate. His delight turned to hate. “I done!” Esther asked the rabbis to write the story of Purim and my own money!” am important enough to be invited to the queen’s private This time, Esther spoke. “Spare my life,” she cried, “and the include it in the Bible. Scrolls - megillot – were written Achashverosh gave Haman his royal ring, to seal the orders banquets together with the king -- and that Jew refuses to lives of my people. We have been sentenced to death!” and sent to the Jews throughout the kingdom. The rabbis and decrees. Anxious to do a perfect job, Haman wanted bow down to me?!” He wanted to kill Mordechai then and “Death? Your people? By whom?” asked the surprised king. commanded the people to keep the holiday of Purim forever to execute his plan on the right day, a lucky day blessed by there, without waiting for the 13th of Adar! “By an evil and wicked man -- by your minister Haman!” as a day of thanksgiving and feasting and joy; of sending his gods and the stars. He cast lots -- purim in Hebrew -- to “Do it!” advised his evil wife . So Haman built a The king was so astounded that he marched out of the room gifts to friends and money to the poor. And that is just what choose the day. Then he sent out letters, sealed with the gallows, 50 cubits high, in his own courtyard. He would hang to regain his composure. the Jewish people have been doing for the past 2,400 years! king’s royal ring, to each of the 127 provinces in the kingdom. Mordechai at the first opportunity! Trembling and fearful, Haman threw himself on the queen to “On the 13th day of the month of Adar,” the decree said That night, the king could not fall asleep. He tossed and beg for mercy. At that very moment, Achashverosh returned. 18 19 FROM THE MAILBOX DEVORAH LEVY RAMAT BET SHEMESH, ISRAEL

Purim is the most special, spiritually powerful day! And it’s so easy to get distracted by the externals. I used to get overwhelmed by the chaos, noise and mess until I decided: “There are four clear mitzvot of the day. Focus on those mitzvot with all your heart, joyfully, and the rest will fall into place.”

Purim is an extremely powerful time for prayer. Besides trying to carve out some quiet time to pray, whisper to Hashem your requests -- constantly -- throughout the day! His hands are open -- giving “charity” all day to whoever asks.

Purim always seems a little out of control. The mess, the junk food, the sometimes wild be- haviour. It’s a day to simply throw up your hands and remember: “I am never in control over my environment -- only Hashem is!”

Everyone enjoys different things. Some women enjoy dressing up, some enjoy making crea- tive mishloach manot, some enjoy just walking around. Do what brings you joy. You don’t have to celebrate it in any specific way. I for one enjoy wearing elegant clothes, eating choco- late, and observing the festivities from a relative distance and plugging into the spiritual ele- ment of the day -- feeling joyful, real connection with people, and praying.

One year, I put little personal notes into my mishloach manot. People appreciated this so much more than the food itself -- especially teachers! After all, at the end of the day, it’s about connecting!

20 FROM THE MAILBOX FROM THE MAILBOX SHULAMIS MULLER DENVER, CO EVELYN GUEZ SHAAREI CHESED, JERUSALEM I have a few tidbits that work for me as a busy Mom with kids of all ages... Purim: I organize it like a Shabbat.

The house is in order, and the table set the night before for the seuda (meal). 1. Make shalach manos that can be made ahead of time and frozen in its packaging so I open an extra table for giving and receiving the mishloah manot. that the days before Purim can be focused on last-minute seudah details and costumes. The costumes are opened for the children. I make chocolate mousse and put it in little dollar-store bowls with a wafer roll, wrap it in And -- because it’s Purim -- we prepare the cash to give away as charity. a clear bag with a small spoon inside. It freezes well, is small and compact, makes a nice Early morning, I put my fresh salads together and keep them ready in the fridge, and set the presentation, and most of all, is inexpensive (and I get a ton of compliments). meal on the hot plate.

On the table, I make sure I prepare snacks for the L’chaim to share with the visitors (nuts,fruits , 2. Make food for the seudah that is kid-friendly and easy to make (and can be made munchies)...… ahead of time raw, to be defrosted and baked on Purim), like franks in blankets and And off I can go to the Megillah reading, putting a mask or something fun on my head. potato . It always goes over well, and I know my kids have eaten something I can bring my mishloah manot, in and out of my house, taking turns with my husband. normal. People go in and out, I can enjoy all the excitement, taking pictures etc...

Time is set in advance with family and guests for the seuda. 3. I make sure my kids have had a healthy breakfast. At that point, I close my door, we sit, eat, drink, sing up to the Birkat HaMazon (Grace after

Meals). 4. I have different baskets and, as the shalach manos come in, I divide everything up Then we clear the table, put cakes and desserts out, open the door and go on with the immediately ‎(baked goods, school snacks, drinks, candy, fruit etc). This makes for a community. smaller clean-up job at the end of the day. I do the same for my kids, they either have a We noticed in the past, that if we don’t define our priorities and come up with a plan for the bag with their name on it, or a box for each of their shalach manos, so everyone knows day, it gets so off, frustrating and so tiring for everyone! whose is whose. This year Shushan Purim is on Friday in Jerusalem and all walled cities. It is going to be a long

Shabbat, lots of cooking in advance, and I am sure that we’ll carry the fun until Motzei Shabbat 5. I think that for every Yom Tov, you have to pick what your priority will be (costumes, (Saturday night) with no time to clear up the goodies! shalach manos, food or a clean house), and concentrate on that one thing the most. The main thing is to do what we have to do with a sense of calm and joy, so we need a seder Then, either let go, delegate or don’t put too much energy into the others. The main thing (order), then we can let go to enjoy the day. is that your kids see you happy and excited to celebrate this Yom Tov and not stressed out.

22 923 FROM THE MAILBOX FROM THE MAILBOX ESTEE SCHWAB DENVER, CO DINA BACHRACH ARIZONA I like to have real food around that I know kids/teens like that are salty and hot. So often Kids: you’ll find potato , wings (has to be special for Yom Tov style) -- that’s when we have We make a lot of Shalach Manos for my children to give out. Before Purim I discuss with boys around. For girls, I have smoothies and soup. them that the important thing is to be a GIVER and to look for other kids, to make them happy about Purim (and not to want to get or expect Shalach Manos from others). One Purim, my girls and I went to visit a single woman in her 60s. We put on music and danced, which was a great outlet for us and for her. So we now look out for other lonely Feed your kids a good meal in the morning; it will probably be their main meal of the day! women to celebrate with.

Package: I’ve come to the conclusion that cellophane and nice platters are nice and all, but sometimes the Shalach Manos doesn’t make it to the other person. It gets dropped, things fall out -- so now I decide on a fool-proof package, and then figure out what will be in my Shalach Manos (in a box or bag that closes well and can be taped up!)

Seudah: Growing up, on Purim my father (Rabbi Aryeh Goetz) used to start the seudah with a Purim JERUSALEM TALI LEVY kiddush (just like every Yom Tov meal starts with kiddush). “When the month of Adar begins we increase our joy” What’s the Simcha, the Joy, about? Main thing is - be chilled! The mess is huge. The Simcha, the Joy, is about seeing the Megillah unfold right in front of our eyes. In 40 or so minutes of Megillah reading, we see a story of 14 years unfold -- and we have closure. Megillah: At the time of of the story, it was unclear what was going on -- as Mordechai says to Esther : For me personally, I love the Megillah reading. There is so much in it. Every year I get inspired anew as I listen to the incredible story. and who knows whether it was just for such a time as this that - מי יודע עם לעת הזאת הגעת למלכות you attained the royal position? The Simcha. the Joy, is understanding that everything happens for a reason. Even if we may not understand it, there is a purpose.

24 925 FROM THE MAILBOX FROM THE MAILBOX DIANA MELNICH, TORONTO DINA LEVY, RAMAT BET SHEMESH An outreach Rebetzin who opens her home to hundreds each Purim Start early! I make non-perishable shalach ma- If guests want to bring food, I will tell them that nos starting Rosh Chodesh Adar, I ordered XYZ from a caterer and would love We usually daven the morning prayers as the sun rises in the early packaged and ready to go within a few days, and to have someone pay for that and pick it up morning as a family. start baking/cooking and freezing for the seuda. (e.g., eggrolls, franks in blanks, etc.) -- generally patchka things that I don’t have time to make For the Purim seuda, we have a “families seuda” myself. Purim is the holiest of all the days. What we can achieve through our (about 10-12 families) starting early in the day Tefillah (prayer) on Purim is so powerful, so I want to try capitalize on (around 3:30-4). We then open up the Purim Depending on our finances that year, there are a those incredible Tefillah opportunities! Especially throughout the day. party/singles event later on just before sundown few things that are a splurge but I like doing: Also I attend a small minyan, so I can really get to hear every word of (and try to have a Megillah reading for people • Renting tablecloths (and extra tablecloths the Megillah. During the rest of the day, I try find the time to pray or who missed it). The party lasts late into the night. to cover the couches), cloth napkins, and But this way we have had a nice family-oriented chair covers (not only does it look beautiful, say Tehillim. seuda before it turns to madness :-) Generally I don’t have to worry about stains) we have a band/jam area set up, and people • Renting floor mats to cover the floors I make sure that I, my husband, and the twins have a good whole- come to play music and dance. The kids abso- (depending on the weather, the floors can some breakfast with rolls, eggs and salad on Purim morning. That way lutely love it. Depending on the theme, we will get trashed) the children don’t overdo the sweets and cakes because their tummies get smoke machine/lights/black light etc. • Get a florist to make centerpieces to match the theme (e.g., when we did a pirate are full to start off with, and they are calm and so are the parents. In terms of feeding everyone: I used to feed all theme she made treasure chests with 200 or so people real food. Now I only make real golden coins and flowers, etc.) OR the kids Also I try finish making all my mishloach manot before Purim so I’m food for the families. The guests who come later can make centerpieces not busy still making them on the day. I try having extra because you will eat the leftovers (which I set up buffet-style • I like to have a shadchan or the “shidduch never know who will come to the house, and I don’t want to turn any- in the kitchen) and the desserts/nosh I put out in a box” applications available for singles toward the end of the family seuda. I always to fill in one away empty-handed. I usually have a basket of wafers or sweets over-buy/bake the amount of nosh/desserts. for the kids to take when they deliver to our door. This makes them so I only buy about one bottle of wine per table One more thing I’ve learned about Purim: You happy. (Joyvin!) and we do have a keg refrigera- do not have to give shaloch manos to all of your tor (which is a year-round fixture that saves us friends. We have a policy that we do not give I used to spend too much time on Purim, driving with my husband in a the pain of half-empty and broken beer bottles shaloch manos to any of our “regular” friends. year-round). hot car doing deliveries. The kids also didn’t enjoy Purim that way! We give to Rebbes/Morahs, bosses, non- Now we only deliver a few shalach manos, and early. The rest we give I do pot luck for the seuda. I ask my friends to observant relatives/friends, elderly neighbours, to people when they come to us. contribute in different ways: buying drinks, buy- and take our children to give to their friends ing plastic goods, buying store-bought appetiz- (prioritizing Rebbes and Morahs.) I keep a box of Family means a lot to me ,so every Purim I go visit my sister who lives ers/salads, buying ready-made fruit platters, small shalach manos and a table of food/drinks ordering bilkas/dessert from the bakery, etc. I by the doors to give to people when they come a few blocks away for a little bit. We both work hard during the year, generally make the majority of the food myself to us. I also stopped having the expectation that so I value the time I spend with her. That also gives my Purim meaning (again, starting early and freezing things like all the shalach manos that were on my list would ... When you can spend it with loved ones. carrot muffins, chicken, meatballs, wings, soup, be delivered. I used to get angry and upset when etc., then doing as much as I can the day before we didn’t make it to all the people on the list. -- including chopping vegetables, prepping my Now I just let it go... Whoever got, wonderful. If serving platters/utensils, setting the table. This not, they will get it the next day or not at all, and enables me to just warm up, put together salads, that’s OK. and not have to worry the day of the seudah).

26 27 FROM THE MAILBOX THE YEAR I MISSED PURIM SOL FLEISING (EVE’S DAD) THORNHILL, ONTARIO EVE LEVY Purim is a time to rejoice. My mother reminded me that, when I was in elementary school

(about 1955) and it was Purim, I once came home from school with tears In my eyes. I said When I was 12 years old, my Zaidy Lipa (may he rest in peace) passed away on Erev Purim. He that so many of the kids were giving shalach manot to their grandparents, but I did not have passed away on Shabbat just as the day was ending. Two hours later we were all in the car a single grandparent. My mother consoled me as only a mother can, saying that shalach on our way to Montreal. That year will forever be etched in my mind. It is the only year that I manot isn’t just for grandparents. We can give to aunts, uncles, neighbors. And that’s what I can remember that we did not have Purim. My older brother, Martin, read the Megillah out did. Purim should be enjoyed and shared by all, young and old, while we can. loud in the back of the car on the six-hour drive from Toronto to Montreal. We did not give out Mishloach Manot or dress up that year. The Seudah we ate was the mourners’ meal of hard- boiled eggs and .

It has been 23 years since my Zaidy has passed from this world. Every Erev Purim, on his Yahrzeit, I think of my dear Zaidy Lipa, may he rest in peace. He was a gentle man who survived World War II and overcame many hardships. My Zaidy always took such good care of his family and he exemplified a true mensch. My Zaidy excelled in doing the of Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick).

Inspired by my Zaidy, one year my husband, our children and myself dressed as clowns and MICHAELIA LYONS NEW HAVEN, CT drove from Jerusalem to the Shoka hospital on Tel Aviv to distribute Mishloach Manot packages to the children in the cancer ward. We put on music and danced through the halls giving out Purim is a day when our prayers are super powerful -- just like we give charity to everyone packages and smiles. who asks, Hashem is ready to answer our prayers, if we only ask sincerely. Of course, Purim is so busy it’s also one of the hardest days to find time for prayer! I try to wake up half an hour early on Purim so I have extra time to pray before my kids wake up and the day gets hectic. Of course, we can also pray in our own words all day long while we are busy with other things.

The rule in my house is that the kids must eat a healthy breakfast, after that I leave them (mostly) alone to eat junk food. The day after Purim you can go back to trying to get them to eat healthy. You can also put cut up fruits and vegetables out on the table so they are easily accessible for healthy snacking.

28 29 ORGANIZING YOUR PURIM PLANS MEIRA SPIVAK Purim is a very busy holiday, but it doesn’t have to planning). Many will have options for be overwhelming. Here are some quick tips to help Megillah readings for children in smaller groups! you enjoy the day. As I always say, do as much as you can in advance! There are four mitzvos that Mishte - Festive Meal must be fulfilled on Think fun and fes- Purim. They are listed tive. This meal below. Costumes are should include a custom, not a Jew- bread/ and ish law, so I won’t list some delicious and them. But of course, lavish dishes. Go all THE FAST OF ESTHER you may want to plan out and have a good for costumes a few time. Of course, MEIRA SPIVAK weeks early to make prepare for this a In general, when we fast, it is to commemorate sure you aren’t fretting week or two early, a relevant piece of history or our current state One of the biggest lessons from Purim is that about them at the last and freeze. Tradi- of affairs. For example, we fast on the 9th of Av, change is possible. The story starts off with moment. tions can include eat- on Tisha B’av, because we no longer have the Jewish assimilation, with the Jews attended King ing triangle-shaped temple. Even though the temple was destroyed Achashverosh’s party. Mordechai, the leading Mishloach Manot foods (hamantashen) thousands of years ago, since we still don’t have rabbi of the generation, urges the Jews not to the Temple now, fasting is still relevant. We fast go, but they refused to listen. They rationalized These must be made and serving alcohol on Yom Kippur because, still in this day in age, that attending the party wouldn’t be so bad, and in advance of Purim (to adults of course!). we are seeking repentance from G-d. stubbornly refused to admit their mistakes. It Day. Either choose was only once Haman drew lots and dedicated a to compile items that Matanot L’evyonim In the times of Purim, Esther asked the Jews to day of Jewish annihilation, that the Jews started don’t spoil or only need - Charity for the fast and pray on her behalf because she was to squirm and realize that perhaps they had about to visit King Achashverosh uninvited. erred after all. After three days of fasting, prayer last-minute touches Poor Though the fasting was appropriate then, it and introspection, the Jews were able to reach on Purim. Otherwise, This mitzvah isn’t seems completely irrelevant today. We are fast- new spiritual heights and merit redemption. The you’ll go crazy. Re- regular charity. It’s ing to “remember that they fasted?” Why do we message of Purim is that, no matter what life member, you only need giving money to still commemorate the Fast of Esther today? choices we have made in the past, no matter to give two food items ensure that all Jewish how little time we have devoted to Judaism, we According to the Rambam, Maimonides, the can always rededicate ourselves. to one person. people have enough point of all fast days is to arouse us to a state of money to afford a repentance and reflection. Whenever we com- This year, on the Fast of Esther, may we merit to Megillah festive meal on Purim. Take care of this early by memorate a fast, we are spiritually connecting to spend a few moments examining our lives and In order to hear the Megillah read in its entirety in finding a Rabbi who will be distributing the funds on the message contained within it. to rededicate ourselves to growing and connect- synagogue, once at night and once in the morning, Purim. This way, you won’t have to worry about it ing as Jews. What then is the message of Purim, and why are make sure to attend a service with babysitting, or on Purim and can enjoy the rest of the day commemorating it today? leave your young ones at home (READ: Advance

30 31 MISHLOACH MANOT IDEAS SPECIAL PURIM FOODS MIRIAM LEVY 13 YEARS OLD EVE LEVY The most well-known Purim treats are hamantashen.

• Have a soup-er Purim! – soup and breadsticks Everyone knows that the triangle-shaped cookie represents Haman’s hat. I was never satisfied with this reason. Why would we eat the villain’s hat anyway? There has got to • School Lunch – PB&J sandwich, juice box, fruit cup, and granola bar be a better and more digestable reason. • “Take me out to the ball game” – cracker jacks, pea- Rebbetzin Shira Smiles said that just like a hamantashen has three sides to it, so too nuts, cotton candy etc... wrap up in baseball cap the Jewish people have three sides. We have Kohen, Levi, and Israel, three groups of Jews within the Jewish nation. Neither is better or worse, but all three have different • Shabbat in a bag – challah roll, mini grape juice, unique missions and purposes to contribute to the Jewish world. The middle of the … hamantashen is the sweet part, and so too, the core of a Jew is filled with sweetness • Taste of Israel – , balls, , Israeli and goodness. We sometimes call the Jewish core the “pintele yid,” that spark of holi- salad… Put in disposable container and tie with blue ness and G-dliness that every Jew possesses. and white ribbon Next time you bite into a yummy hamantashen ask yourself: • Esther’s Jewelry – ring pop, candy necklace, etc.… What unique angle are YOU bringing to the Jewish nation? And...What hidden sweet- • Don’t laugh at my mishloach manot – dum dums ness lies deep within you at your core? and Laffy Taffy Happy Munching! • Havdala – Grape juice, buns (besamim), and licorice braids for the candle • Green eggs and Ham(antashen) - green eggs with hamantashen

7 32 33 EVE’S FAVOURITE HAMANTASCHEN EVE LEVY 4 eggs 1 ½ cup sugar 1 ½ Tbs. vanilla sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 cup oil ½ cup or parve tofu cream cheese 5 ½ plus cups

Whip together everything except flour. Add flour slowly, as needed. Refrigerate dough for 10 minutes. Roll out dough on floured surface. Using a cup or round cookie cutter, cut out circles. Fill with filling of your choice: Date spread, chocolate spread, jam, mixture...Be creative! Bake at 350 degrees until starting to brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes. (I like them underdone rather than overdone). These hamantashen freeze well. Enjoy!

Some ideas for hamantaschen flavors: Chocolate chip, chocolate spread, pistachio, raspberry, apricot, caramel, halvah, smore’s, prune, poppy seed, date spread, , almond butter, peanut butter and jelly, cherry pie filling,

35 ALLISON’S MAGIC DOUGH ALLISON SHERMAN great dough for Hamentaschen, nut rolls and mandelbrodt!

4 eggs pinch of salt 1 cup sugar 4 tsp baking powder 1 cup oil 1 tsp vanilla ¼ cup orange juice or tea or water

Beat in order given. Add in approximately 4 cups flour (enough to make a soft dough).

For mandelbrodt add in 1 cup grated nuts (almonds or walnuts). When baked and cut roll into sugar and cinnamon. For Hamentaschen fill as your heart desires, pinching the corners tightly. For nut rolls divide dough into 6 portions, roll out and cover with nuts, raisins, sugar and cinnamon. Roll up and cut on the diagonal. Place on cookie sheet and bake.

Bake at 350’ till light brown.

36 PISTACHIO HAMANTASCHEN PAULA SHOYER - THE KOSHER BAKER Makes 3 dozen then sprinkle a little more flour on top of the dough. Dough Place the second piece of parchment on top of the dough and roll on top of the parchment to roll out 3 large eggs the dough until it is about 1/4-inch thick. Every few 1 cup sugar rolls, peel back the top parchment and sprinkle a little more flour on the dough. 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Use a 3 inch drinking glass or round cookie to cut the dough into circles. Use a metal flat blade spat- 1 teaspoon orange juice ula to lift up the circle and place on another spot 4-5 drops green food coloring on the parchment that has been sprinkled with a little flour. Place one teaspoon pistachio paste in 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting parchment and dough the center and then fold in the three sides towards the middle to form a triangle, leaving a small open- ½ cup shelled pistachio nuts, ground fine ing in the center. Pinch the three sides together 1 teaspoon baking powder very tightly. Place on the prepared cookie sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough and roll and cut dash salt any dough scraps you have, making sure to sprinkle a little flour under and over the dough before you Filling roll. Pinch the corners a second time before baking One 11-ounce can pistachio paste (or combine ½ the cookies. cup shelled pistachio nuts, ground fine, one egg Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the bottoms are white and ½ cup sugar) lightly browned but the tops are still light. Slide the In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, sugar, oil, parchment onto wire racks to cool. Store in an air- vanilla, orange juice and few drops green food tight container at room temperature for up to five coloring. Add the flour, ground pistachio nuts, bak- days or freeze for up to three months. ing powder and salt and mix until the dough comes Tip: Look for shelled pistachio nuts that are more together. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the green than yellow for prettier Hammentaschen. fridge for one hour to firm up. Reprinted with permission from The Holiday Kosher Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line 2 to 3 large cookie Baker by Paula Shoyer (Sterling 2013). Photo credit: sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats, or Michael Bennett Kress bake it batches. Divide the dough in half. Take another two pieces of parchment and sprin- kle flour on one, place one dough half on top, and

39 KREPLACH EVE LEVY Ever wonder why we call kreplach by the plural Kreplach dough: form, “Kreplech,” and not a “krepel?” 4 eggs Because they are so good that there is no such thing as having just one! 2 egg shells of water It is customary to eat kreplach three times a Flour year, and there is an easy way to remember Add a bit of flour at a time until dough feels soft just which three times: It’s on the three holidays “like a baby’s bottom.” that you “klap” -- a word meaning hit or “patch.” Cover dough with wax paper or plastic wrap so it does not dry out. (1) On Yom Kippur, we “klap” over our heart as we ask forgiveness; Filling: (2) On Hoshana Rabba. we “klap” the Hoshanot Saute lots of . (myrtle branches) on the floor as we circle the Fry onions in oil on low flame until onions are bimah; translucent. (3) On Purim we “klap” out Haman’s name. Add cooked meat: Stewing meat or brisket can Kreplach are made with a simple dough of work. flour, water and eggs, but the middle filling is Put meat and onions in food processor and the main part. The inside is hidden from us. Just pulse until combined. like our destiny. Cut out rounds of dough using a cookie cut- ter or a glass. Fill middle with spoonful of meat mixture. Dip your finger in water to moisten the edge of the dough. Pinch kreplach tightly closed. Flash freeze kreplach, then boil in water. Freeze in Ziploc bags and take out each week to make your chicken soup into a Jewish experience!

40 Enjoy:) EVE’S STRAWBERRY SALAD EVE LEVY

8 cups lettuce 2 cups craisins 8 oz strawberries, cut into quarters 1 large mango, peeled and cubed 1/2 cup chopped 1 cup slivered almonds

Dressing- makes a lot! 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup oil 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. salt

43 AVIVA’S BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP AVIVA JACOBY 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 onions chopped 2 cloves garlic 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped 2 large sweet potatoes 1 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. black pepper 8 cups water 3/4 tsp. basil 1-2 Tbsp. ginger

Heat oil. Add onions, saute 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, squash and sweet potatoes. Add spices, except basil. Add water to cover vegetables, and cook 45 minutes. Blend, add basil.

44 NO-FAIL CORNED BEEF/BRISKET MIRIAM KALTER, PORTLAND, OR

Purim is a powerful day for prayer. I try to take advantage of the koach hayom, power of the day. When I’m able, I go to shul for the morning services, and spend my morning immersed in prayer, before getting involved in all the fun festivities of the day. This helps me connect to the holiday on a deeper level.

Recipe

1 stick margarine or ¼ Cup oil

4 Tbs (¼ Cup)

7-8 Tbs. Ketchup (½ Cup)

¼ C Brown Sugar

Boil meat in a pot of water (about a half hour per pound,usually I do 1.5- 2 hours).

Drain water. When meat is cool slice and put into sauce. When you serve, heat up meat in sauce.

47 CHAGIT’S COLORFUL COUSCOUS CHAGIT POSNER, ELAZAR, GUSH ETZION

Purim in Israel is a long holiday.. It starts on the 12th of 1 pkg original couscous

Adar, when kids dress up, and party in school. On the Yellow, red & green peppers (1 ea) 13th, they’re off school to fast the Esther fast (cause 1 can chickpeas why kill the Purim spirit), then we break the fast after an Herb of your choice (parsley, coriander, etc)- fresh or dry especially long and noisy megilah reading- we have men who bring a saxophone, trumpet, toy guns.. almost like a 1/4 tsp cumin, soccer game.. Every Hamman gets it’s treat.. :-) lemon juice

On Purim day, the 14th, we have an “Adeloyada” where a 1/4 c white wine vinegar special van, playing loud purim songs drives very slowly 1/3 c olive oil all around our town, and kids of all ages, in their cos- salt & pepper tumes, parade after it joyfully. The children have raffles, lemon peel (optional) selecting 2-3 friends whom they will give a “mishloach manot” to, so everyone can afford to participate.

-Cook couscous with olive oil, per instructions on the following day, the 15th of Adar, the party aint over.. It’s Purim in Jerusalem.. and kids are still off -Grill/ roast (broil?) peppers in pre-heated oven for ~5-10 min each side, cool down, peal off burnt layer, and cut up. school... so we all drive into Jerusalem to watch their pa- rades, and give out mishloach manots to family & friends, -Combine all ingredients into one bowl, and mix well. Serve cold. and sneak another Lechayim in between..

48 SAVTA MAZEL’S TUNISIAN FISH EVE LEVY Eating fish during the month of Adar or on Purim source, our Torah, our chance for Jewish survival is itself is significant. slim. The Mazel (constellation) of the month of Adar is It’s amazing that I actually got this recipe from my ‘Dagim’, fish. mother-in-law. She doesn’t use recipes so much... it’s all in her head. It’s “a little of this and a little of that.” This image of two fish (one on top of the other- head But no mater what, everything she makes comes to tail) supposedly appear in the sky. out perfectly delicious! Why fish? What can we learn from fish? Fish are a blessed creature. During this month of Recipe Adar the fish in the rivers and lakes increase. Fish multiply and are many. They are blessed. For this recipe you can use Salmon, Tilapia, or any fish really. In Israel my mother-in-law uses ‘Nilus’ The Kabbalah tells us that fish are a symbol for a (Nile Perch) or ‘Bori’ (white fish). concealed reality. Heat ¼ Cup oil in pot. Our true identity and fortune, as the Jewish people, is also concealed and invisible in this world. Add ¼ Tbs. red hot pepper spice (hot paprika works well). Be careful not to let it burn. Add ½ Cup tomato Fish are compared to our G-d, their eyes are always paste. Stir. open. We believe that our G-d is always watching over His people and protecting us. Add 2 tsp. crushed garlic and a bit of water (like a half cup. The more water you put, the more gravy Fish are hidden from sight, they teach us about you get). modesty and humility. Add 1 Tbsp. Cumen, some salt and pepper. They keep away from the evil eye. Simmer over a low to medium flame for about 20 The souls of Israel are likened to fish that swim in minutes. water. Just as fish need water to survive, so to the Jews need the Torah to carry on and thrive. A fish is Add chopped cilantro and lay the fish over it and out of water doesn’t stand a chance for survival. In a simmer for 10 minutes. similar vein, if we Jews are not connected to our life

50 BUBBY HARRIETTE’S CHUMUS EVE LEVY Homemade chumus was a staple in my house growing up. My Mom made Chumus every single week. It was not Shabbat or holidays without it! I am happy to carry on the Fleising tradition.

2 cloves garlic- minced

1 can drained chick peas- rinsed 3 x

½ - ¾ Cup oil

¼ C lemon juice

Put it all in the food processer and blend till you get the consistency you like.

Wishing you all a joyous Purim. May this holy day bring you light and love, hap- piness and joy, connection and dedication! Just as it was good for the Jews in those days of Purim so long ago, so may it be for us today and always.

Happy Purim!

Eve Levy

53 EVE’S ONE BOWL PUMPKIN MUFFINS EVE LEVY

4 eggs 2 Cups sugar 1 Can pumpkin 1 tsp. vanilla 1 ¼ Cup oil 3 Cups flour 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp cinnamon 2 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 12 oz chocolate chips

Mix everything together Sprinkle top with sugar and cinnamon Bake at 400’ for 18 minutes.

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