As Christians, we often reflect on the Jewish roots of our faith, and one of the most exciting and joyous celebrations to recognize is Purim. While Purim is not a holiday found directly in the Christian scriptures, its rich history and message resonate deeply within the broader biblical narrative. The story of Purim, celebrated annually by Jews, is found in the book of Esther, where God’s providence is clearly evident in delivering the Jewish people from destruction. Purim is a time of rejoicing, feasting, giving charity, and reflecting on the courage and faithfulness of God’s people in the face of adversity.
The Story of Purim
Purim commemorates a pivotal moment in the history of the Jewish people, as recorded in the book of Esther. In this story, the Jewish people were facing extermination under the decree of the Persian king, Xerxes (Ahasuerus), influenced by the wicked Haman, an official in the king’s court. Through the bravery of Queen Esther and the wisdom of her cousin Mordecai, God’s plan for the deliverance of His people was fulfilled, and the Jewish people were spared from genocide.
While the celebration of Purim may not be directly mentioned in the New Testament, as Christians, we understand that God’s sovereignty is consistent throughout Scripture. Purim serves as a powerful reminder that God is always at work in the world, even when it seems like evil is prevailing. It highlights the truth that God is never absent from His people and that He is always present to protect, deliver, and bring about His purpose.
In addition to being a story of God’s intervention and mercy, Purim is also a celebration of joy and gratitude. It is a time for Christians to reflect on God’s faithfulness, particularly in their own lives, and to celebrate the ways in which He continues to bring victory over evil.
Celebrating Purim: Joy, Charity, and Feasting
Purim is a festive occasion, and its celebration involves several key elements:
Reading the Book of Esther: The story is read aloud during Purim, often in a joyous and boisterous manner. Every time Haman’s name is mentioned, the people make noise to blot out the memory of his evil.
- Dressing Up: People of all ages wear creative costumes, often inspired by the Purim story, pop culture, or just whimsical ideas, and it’s a time for joy, laughter, and letting your imagination run wild. Whether it’s dressing as Queen Esther, a jester, or something totally unique, the costumes add to the celebratory atmosphere of the holiday!
- Giving to Charity: One of the most important aspects of Purim is giving gifts to the poor (matanot la’evyonim). As Christians, we can embrace this act of generosity as a reminder of God’s call to serve those in need. (Kaleb House & World Vision are some of our favorite charities.)
- Sending Food Gifts: Another tradition is sending food gifts, or “mishloach manot,” to friends and neighbors. This act fosters community and friendship, which is an important part of the Christian faith as well.
- Feasting: Purim is a time for feasting and celebrating God’s deliverance. It’s a moment to reflect on how God provides for His people and to enjoy the good things in life with friends and family.
Hamantaschen: The Traditional Cookie
One of the most beloved traditions during Purim is the baking and eating of Hamantaschen, a three-cornered pastry believed to represent the hat (or ears) of the villain Haman. These cookies are filled with various fillings, including fruit preserves, chocolate, or poppy seeds, and are a delicious part of the celebration.
Here’s a simple recipe for Hamantaschen Cookies that you can make at home to join in the celebration of Purim:
Hamantaschen Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Organic All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt Redmond Real Salt is a great choice!
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter Softened
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1 cup Fruit Preserves Grape, Apricot, Raspberry, or Strawberry or Poppy Seed filling (you can find these at most grocery stores)
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to bring the dough together. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. This helps make the dough easier to handle when shaping.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
- Place a teaspoon of your chosen filling in the center of each circle.
- To form the traditional three-cornered shape, fold the edges of the dough toward the center to form a triangle, pinching the edges together. Make sure the corners are sealed well to prevent the filling from spilling out while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy!
A Time of Reflection and Joy
Purim is a reminder to Christians that God’s hand is always at work, even in the midst of dark times. Just as He protected and delivered the Jewish people through Esther, He continues to provide for and protect His people today. In this season of joy, as you bake your Hamantaschen and share them with others, take time to reflect on the faithfulness of God and the joy that comes from knowing that He is in control of every situation.
Celebrate with gratitude, charity, and love, and remember that Purim is not just a Jewish celebration—it’s a reminder to all of us of God’s unchanging and protective love for His people.
Extra Teachings & Family Movie Recommendation
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14
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