This week, the Oak class began activities and learning in preparation for the upcoming holiday of Purim. Today, the children built and drew castles, painted crowns, dressed up in costumes. made groggers, and used Purim puppets for story telling.
Here is a little information about Purim.
The jolly Jewish holiday of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). Purim 2025 begins on Thursday night, March 13 and continues until Shabbat, March 14 (extending through Sunday in Jerusalem). It commemorates the (Divinely orchestrated) salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day.” Literally “lots” in ancient Persian, Purim was thus named since Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his diabolical scheme, as recorded in the Megillah (book of Esther).
What are Purim observances?
- Reading of the Megillah (book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle. This is done once on the eve of Purim and then again on the following day.
- Giving money gifts to at least two poor people.
- Sending gifts of two kinds of food to at least one person.
- A festive Purim feast, which often includes wine or other intoxicating beverages.
Indiana Learning Standards
APL4.1: Demonstrate development of social interactions during play
PHG3.1: Demonstrate development of fine and gross motor coordination
M4.1: Understanding of spatial relationships
SS1.1: Demonstrate development of self
CA3.2: Demonstrate creative expression through visual art production
CA4.1: Demonstrate creative expression through dramatic play
