Purim: A Holiday of Light and Joy

About 6 weeks ago I stood at the Kotel together with my Birthright "Mishpuche" (family). We gathered in a circle and sang and danced as we welcomed in Shabbat. We sang "Am Yisrael Chai" - the nation of Israel is alive! As we were singing, I was filled with pride as I realized what an incredible miracle it is to proclaim these words.

Throughout history many a wicked person has tried to put out the fire in the souls of the Jewish people - and each time G-d has allowed light to prevail over darkness- Am Yisrael Chai!! We are alive and we are well.

Just one week before the joyous holiday of Purim, the Jewish world was rocked with the horrible news coming out of Israel. Five holy souls from our family had been coldly extinguished. While the majority of us have never met the Fogel family (may their blood be avenged), we cried together with their family, we cried together as a Jewish family.

Amidst the sadness and pain, we have Purim just around the corner. Purim is a time for us to be joyful and filled with happiness. It is a time for us to remember that although the wicked Haman tried to annihilate us 2,363 years ago, we are still here to tell the tale. We are still here to celebrate the many miracles which transpired during the Purim story - and throughout our long history. We are still here to show those who wish to destroy us that G-d will never let that happen. Am Yisrael Chai!

As Purim draws near we must be thankful to Hashem for all of the wonders He has shown us, and must know that as dark as it may seem, good times are on their way.  We must fill the world with joy and happiness and of course goodness and kindness. We must do our best to fill the world with light and ultimately push away the darkness.  Grab a Hamentash and wear a funny costume! Say Am Yisrael Chai and celebrate Purim like never before!

After spending 10 glorious days in Israel, my father and I decided that this year Chabad of Tidewater would throw an Israeli themed Purim party! Why not join us and enjoy authentic Israeli food (and plenty of Hamentashen and L'chaims too!) and dance to great Israeli music! Don't forget to bring your children too - there will be plenty of entertainment for the kids! Children will get balloons created by Ryan the Balloon Guy, do some cool crafts and play a super fun game - and all children in costume will be entered to win a Toys R Us giftcard! (Sunday, March 20 ~ 5:30 PM at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Downtown Norfolk - you can RSVP at www.ChabadofTidewater.com)

Don't live in Tidewater?  You can visit www.chabad.org to find a Purim celebration near you.


Being that this is a food blog, this post would not be complete without a great recipe for Hamentash! Happy baking and I hope to see you at the grand Purim party!

Hamentashen

4 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup oil

juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp. vanilla extract

5 cups flour

2 tsps. baking powder.

Filling of your choice

Preheat oven to 350

Grease cookie sheet.

Beat eggs and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. 

Roll out dough, cut out circles and fill with fillling of your choice. 

Fold in dough to create Hamentashen (3 corners)

Brush corners with water and pinch together. 

Bake for 20 minutes.