Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire where a plot had been formed to destroy them.
Based on the Biblical Book of Esther (Esther 9:22): “As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and
from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”
Purim is therefore celebrated by:
- Exchanging reciprocal gifts of food and drink known as mishloach manot.

- Donating to the poor known as mattanot la-evyonim.
- Eating a celebratory meal known as a se'udat P
- 'Purim'..Public recitation, usually in synagogue, of the Scroll of Esther known as kriat ha-megillah.
- Reciting additions to the daily prayers and the grace after meals known as Al HaNissim.
- Other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.
Hamantaschen A recipe for triangular Purim cookiesBy Joan Nathan
This is a tried and true recipe for the quintessential Purim cookie. Put them in yourmishloach manotto share with loved ones.

This Recipe is from The Jewish Holiday Kitchen. | Ingredients | 2/3 cup margarine or
butter ½ cup sugar 1 egg ½ teaspoon vanilla 2½ - 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder dash of salt poppy seed or nut butter filling | YIELD: 36 cookies |
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Directions
- Cream the shortening with sugar. Add egg and continue creaming until smooth.
- Add the vanilla. Stir in the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt until a ball of dough is formed (a food processor is excellent for this).
- Chill for 2-3 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Taking 1/4 of the dough, roll out on a lightly floured board to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut circles of dough with a drinking glass or round cookie-cutter. With your finger put water around the rim of the circle. Fill with 1 teaspoon poppy-seed or nut filling and fold into three-cornered cookies. (Press two sides together, and then fold the third side over and press the ends together.)
- Bake on a well-greased cookie sheet 10-16 minutes, until the tops are golden.
Reference: http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Purim/At_Home/Foods/Hamantaschen.shtml