The Jews of Alsace France have a Unique Way of Remembering Haman

Skip the Hamantashen. The Jews of Alsace France prefer to eat Hanukkah style doughnuts on Purim, and they have created their own gallows humor to remember Haman. They don’t tell Haman to hang on to his hat, but in their own way they hang him out to dry – literally. You’ve got it. They eat smoked beef that they have hung out to dry and put it in their pea soup or steamed cabbage, making it an important course in their Purim feast. It’s a fun idea and translates well if you want to turn your classroom into a Purim Deli. I can envision hanging salamis “dressed up” as Haman and his sons. It’s a delicious idea for a holiday that’s full of fun.
Enjoy!

Portuguese Jews Reach Out to the Poor on Purim

With a month to go, we’re all in the throes of getting ready for Purim – the happiest holiday on the Jewish calendar. But there’s a serious side to Purim that kids should be aware of as well, and that’s Matanot Le’Evyonim – Gifts for the Poor. Portuguese Jews make sure to bring this message home. Once the Megillah is read on Purim morning the synagogue youth leader takes youngsters on a door-to-door campaign, collecting money in velvet bags that are distributed to the less fortunate in the community. What’s more, on Purim day poor people are not ashamed to knock on the doors of their fellow Jews, asking for help. Every household has its own pile of coins ready for distribution.

Helping the underprivileged is an important Purim lesson. In between learning about the story of Esther, how about organizing a Purim Costume Drive? Ask your students to bring in last year’s costume as a donation to less fortunate kids who don’t have the means for creating a fancy getup.

What about volunteering at a local soup kitchen the day before or after your Purim festivities?
I am sure you can come up with even better ways to get the message across that it is important to reach out to the needy.

Food for thought as you start your Purim lessons.
Speaking of food for thought – I’ll be back over the next few weeks with some fun Purim food customs.
Tami