Purim

Purim is known as the Festival of Lots, commemorating saving the Jewish people from Haman in the ancient Persian Empire. Purim is recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther (Megillat Esther). The reading of the Megillah takes place on the first night of Purim. During Purim, we celebrate with costumes, a festive and vigorous reading of the Megillah and of course traditional foods. It is believed Queen Esther was a vegetarian in order to avoid eating non-kosher foods while she resided in the palace. Purim feasts follow Esther’s diet and includes dishes made with vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes. And of course, hamanstaschens, a cookie shaped like Haman’s hat.