Feb 20, 2013 3 min read

Religious and family traditions are always memorable. Eating certain foods on specific holidays, dances and music from generations past and Old World creative arts are continuations of our cultures. We look forward to each one with a special bond.

Purim, a Jewish holiday commemorating the deliverance of Jewish people, will be celebrated Feb. 23-24 at Temple Emanuel in Mt. Lebanon. Many years ago, in a plot by Haman, prime minister to King Ahasuerus of Persia, he threatened to annihilate all Jews in ancient Persia. Haman’s plans were foiled as told in the Book of Esther, or known in Hebrew as the Megillat Esther, who was the king’s adopted daughter. This jubilant time of salvation became a day of feasting and rejoicing.

Purim’s customs include gifts of food and drink.

Melinda Freed, cooking instructor and proficient in Jewish traditions at Temple, continues to teach the children to participate and gain knowledge of their heritage to share with upcoming generations.

As a way to become familiar with Jewish customs and holidays held locally, on occasion I have joined Melinda as she prepares for Temple’s festivities. Just last week, I was on hand as a few of Temple’s young children from the religious school gathered to make Hamantashen during the Family Ed Cooking program. Hamantashen is a three-pointed, or triangular, pastry served annually at the Purim feast.

As eager eyes looked on, Melinda prepared the basic dough and divided it among boys and girls ages 4-11. Donning aprons and with minimal assistance from Moms and Dads, they rolled and cut perfect circles in the dough, filled each round with apricot, chocolate or their favorite filling, and then folded the dough to create triangles before baking. A few kids amazed me more as they combined fillings for an even better taste. I was impressed.

History reports that the evil man, Haman, wore a three-pointed hat, the significance of the triangle in the Hamantashen cookie.

The children carefully folded the dough, creating a pocket to allow their fillings to be visible. Cosette and Cara Drook of Mt. Lebanon learned from their grandmother, Jacqueline, to make Hamantashen with the filling buried, offering a surprise taste to the cookie eater.

As the baking sheets were filled and baked, we anxiously waited, anticipating the outcome. Once the blessing was offered and thanks given to God, the cookies disappeared in a flash.

This weekend, families will gather for the annual Purim feast. They will read from the Megillat Esther and do kindhearted things for people, such as offering money, clothes or food to those in need. Treat bags of Hamantashen or candies will be given to friends, and all ages will parade in costume celebrating Jewish freedom with music and noisemakers. Before the celebration ends, a funny play with singing, featuring adults and kids, will culminate six weeks of rehearsals. The festivities of Purim have become a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival against all odds.

Hamantashen

Combine: 1 cup sugar

½ cup vegetable oil

3 eggs, beaten

½ cup vegetable shortening

½ cup orange juice

Add: 4 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoons baking powder

Roll on a surface dusted with powdered sugar, cut 2 to 3 inch circles, add 1 teaspoon filling, fold in triangle with the filling peeking through the top. Bake 350 degrees, 12-15 minutes.