A Different Purim Twist from Morocco: Haman's Eyes

Haman must have been a funny looking fellow. Ears that looked like triangles, and (now I've discovered) -- eye sockets that looked like unshelled hard boiled eggs.

You guessed it. Two hard boiled eggs in their shells are the key for baking a Moroccan Purim bread called Haman's Eyes. It can be a bread adorned with almonds, like the one in this picture, used as part of the Mishloach Manot.

Or...it could resemble this!

A fun class or home activity? You bet. Just follow this recipe and give that devil everything he deserves!



















Photo credit
Haman's Eyes Photo Credit

Pass on an Important Jewish Value Through This Moroccan Sukkot Custom

Looking for a social action/mitzvah project for your class, or for you and your family? A Moroccan Sukkot custom proves that sometimes you don't have to look further than your own backyard to do a good deed.

Sukkot is a time for Ushpizin -- the Aramaic word for guests. A widespread tradition for Jews around the world -- be it in the United States, Eastern Europe or the Middle East -- is to virtually invite a different Biblical guest (e.g. Avraham, Moshe, King David, etc.) during the seven days of the holiday to "join" the meal. While this is a wonderful learning opportunity (and a great custom to follow as well), many Moroccan Jews push the envelope by inviting a different poor person into their Sukkah every night as a replacement for a Biblical celeb. Not only do they reach out to the needy, but they make him feel like a king, placing him/her at the head of the table and providing a lavish feast.

The way I see it, this is an example of Jewish living at its best. Together, a family celebrates. Together, a family reaches out. Together, a family feels pride in belonging to the tribe.

Chag Sameach!

























Sukkah photo credit