The Jewish celebration
of Purim begins at sundown on 14th day of Adar in the Hebrew calendar.
That's March 4, 2015. Purim celebrates the bravery and wisdom of a Jewish girl,
Esther. Esther became queen of Ahasuerus, King of Persia. Here are free
printable Purim activities and Jewish lesson plans to help children learn
about Queen Esther.
Read
the Purim story. King Ahasuerus's first wife Queen Vashti was
very beautiful. One night the King demanded she parade naked in front of his guests.
She refused and was executed. King Ahasuerus sought a new queen and liked
Esther, niece of the leader of exiled Jews, Mordecai, Haman, evil prime
minister to Ahasuerus, hated Mordecai. He connived to get Ahasuerus to decree
that everyone should bow to the King. Jews bow only to Yahweh. Jews refused and
Mordecai was to hang. Queen Esther pleaded with the king for her people (risky
even for the Queen as it was forbidden to approach without a summons).
Ahasuerus's heart was softened and Haman was put to death instead.
Throw
a Purim party. Torah Tots is one-stop visit for Purim recipes, crafts, printables, lessons, books and films. Check out the Purim spiel
(play) ideas to put on your own Torah presentation. Chabad has a complete Purim holiday
guide for families. Kids will love making Hamantaschen (Haman Hats) and
dressing up like Queen Esther, Mordecai, Ahasuerus and Haman.
Teach
Purim with free printable Purim puzzles to reinforce story. Print word searches,
crossword puzzles, word games and worksheets. Use for study guides. Teacher
Planet has dozens of free printable Purim lesson plans, activities, crafts, unit ideas, games and
puzzles.
Make
Purim crafts. Chadis Crafts has free printable Purim craft projects, yarn crafts, coloring, puzzles and activities.
Artists Helping Children always has neat craft projects. Check out their free printable Purim
crafts, There are mask crafts
too.
Each
year Jewish observances fall on different days in the western calendar but it's
the same in the Hebrew one. Whatever your religion or faith, Purim makes a
cracking good story and kids will enjoy learning about it.
