As you can see by now, Purim is perhaps the most expressive feast in the biblical calendar. The normal synagogue decorum is temporarily set aside for the noisy joy of celebration. As with most of the other holy days, many of the Jewish customs can be incorporated into a messianic expression. For example, while not commanded in Scripture, the Fast of Esther on the thirteenth of Adar certainly fits the spirit of prayer and fasting also taught in the New Covenant. Believers might choose this day to intercede for the protection and salvation of Israel (see Romans 10:1).

At the close of the Fast, the first day of Purim begins with the synagogue service and the reading of the Megillah. Because it is considered a minor holy day, the usual meal with candles is not required. However, preparation for the synagogue service compensates for what is passed over regarding the meal.

Since there will be a traditional reading of the book of Esther, all participants are encouraged to dress in costume (biblical or otherwise) to facilitate the role-playing. There are usually many little Esthers and Mordechais at the service—even a few bold Hamans! It is also a good time to let inhibitions go: hence there may be people dressed as anyone from the President of the United States to Mickey Mouse! Think of Purim as a sanctified costume party with an important message.

Along with the fun of dressing in costume, all participants are encouraged to bring noisemakers. These may be official groggers that can be bought in a Jewish gift shop, or homemade inventions (pots with a spoon, percussion instruments, etc.) When Haman’s name is mentioned these noisemakers are activated. If you are creative, you may want to write an original Purim shpiel that can be acted out to describe the story of Esther. Believers in Messiah can enjoy the meaning of these customs, rejoicing in God’s justice and protection.

The day of Purim is set aside for the blessing of the shlach manos gift boxes. You may want to have a hamantashen baking party to prepare these tasty cookies. What an encouragement it would be for a friend or acquaintance to receive a love gift of goodies, especially in the name of Yeshua. Indeed, there is more happiness in giving than in receiving (Acts 20:35).

Most messianic congregations have Purim services. If you don’t happen to live within reach of one, why not invite some friends over for your own Purim celebration? It can be a wonderful time of learning and rejoicing in the faithfulness of the God of Israel.

It is the same God who desires to bless our personal lives today. Purim is a time of great joy for believers in Yeshua HaMashiach!

Purim Recipes

Hamantashen

•Note: Dough should be made and refrigerated several hours or overnight before using.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup milk
Flour for rolling
Fillings

Directions:
Cream butter, sugar yolks and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients and milk. Divide recipe into two and store in wax paper in refrigerator. After dough is chilled, roll on floured board until 1/8 inch think. Cut into circles using a cup as a cutter. Place on cookie sheet. Put a little filling in each center. Fold 3 sides up to form a triangle. Bake at 350¼ for 8–10 minutes.

Fillings:
Can use chopped pie fillings, jams, prpared can fillings such as prune, apricot or poppyseed. Two fillings that we make are as follows.

Date Filling Ingredients:
1 lb. cut up dates
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water.

Directions:
Place ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Cool before using. This recipe will fill at least 3 batches of hamentashen dough.

Apricot-Cheese Filling Ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 oz. finely chopped, dried apricots
sugar to taste

Directions:
Cream the softened cream cheese then add the sugar and apricots.