Purim - Feast of Lots

We've enjoyed another celebration! Purim is not one of the feasts ordained by God, but just as Hannukah we did not want to miss an opportunity to celebrate His goodness.

Purim or the Feast of Lots celebrates the overturning of the fate of the Jews in the story of Esther (Esther 9:20-32).

For this celebration we invited two of Samuel's friends and their moms. We started out making Hamantashen (Haman's hat cookies) a three-cornered cookie in the shape of the hat believed to be worn by Haman.

While they baked in the oven we made noise makers to be used each time the name of Haman mentioned when reading the story of Esther.

Each child brought his/her favorite stuffed animal in order to dramatize the story. Samuel was Mordecai, concerned about the fate of Esther when entering the King's presence uninvited.

And then we all sighed with relief when the King (Emily) extended his scepter to queen Esther (Elianna).

For the last time we uttered the name "Haman" and used our noisemakers and loud voices to blot his name forever.

We ended with a reminder that sometimes people will not like us because we are different or simply because we love God, but if we obey God He will always deliver us from evil.

Then we celebrated at the feast!

Another beginning to new traditions in our homeschool. Now on to prepare for Passover.