Tuesday, March 18, 2008

My Fair Hamentashen

Purium is coming! Purium is a Jewish Holiday celebrating the triumph of the Jews as told in the Book of Esther. This year it falls on Friday, March 21st. I found this excerpt online...thought it was a good synopsis:

The Purim Story is for all ages
Indeed, the Book of Esther reads much like a play. The Divine Name is not mentioned openly once in the text. All the miracles appear as natural occurrences coordinated by the Ultimate Producer and Director. The main plot revolves around the wicked Haman advising King Ahashverosh to annihilate his Jewish subjects. Many intertwining subplots include the rise of Esther to the throne, a plot to kill the King overheard by Mordechai and reported to the palace security, the sincere repentance of the Jews upon hearing that their fate has been given over to the sword, and a chain of drinking parties. Read all about it!(- http://www.jewishbyte.com/purim.php)

Once again, I choreographed the Congreagation Tifereth Isarel's Purium celebration production. This year, the play was a spoof of My Fair Lady, (My Fair Hamentashen.) Hamentashen is a traditional food of Purium. (Also called Haman Pockets.) They are triangle-shaped pastries (cookies) with a center filling of fruit. The rehearsals were fun and the production was a grand crowd pleaser. I was so happy with the performance of the cast.


Here they are, mostly still dressed in the elaborate costumes from the "Ascot" scene...



Here's another with Esther ("Eliza") and Mordechai (Esther's cousin) Their duets stole the show:



I definitely plan on joining in on some Purium fun next year!

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