Purim, which falls on the 14th of Adar (Sunday, February 28) celebrates Queen Esther, who saved the Jews of Persia from the evil Haman. Purim is the holiday of hidden miracles; God himself is hidden in the Purim story. The name Esther derives from the Hebrew word Hester, which means hidden. That’s one reason we wear masks. This theme of hiding and secrecy resonates throughout the Megilla, with Esther hiding her religion, and Mordechai changing from the glorious vestments of a royal favorite to mourner's sackcloth and back again.

In Israel, Purim is a reason to forget daily concerns, go a little wild, and for one day, pretend to be someone else. Parents, children, even pets dress up in every imaginable costume for the scores of parades and carnivals that take over Israel's streets on the day of Purim. During the week of Purim, many people take the opportunity to act out their fashion fantasies.

Israeli fashion is more than army uniforms and khaki pants. Tel Aviv, Israel’s fashion capital, offers all the colors, trends and styles one can imagine. The Mediterranean weather encourages many Israeli designers to use light fabrics and lots of color. The popular notion that Israelis don’t dress up is not true anymore. Israeli businessmen and women wear suits when necessary, but a more casual style of dress is accepted in Israel. 

In recent years, the industry has recorded steady annual growth, exporting approximately $1.1 billion worth of merchandise to overseas markets.

International fashion and accessory chains such as Banana Republic, Old Navy, and H&M are in final negotiations

 to open Israeli branches. GAP opened several stores in Israel this past year, joining European chains such as ZARA and MANGO, which opened stores a few years ago.

Israeli designers are also recognized worldwide: Papaya Shoes are sold in hundreds of stores across the United States and in 20 other countries. Four Shenkar College of Engineering and Design graduates represented Israel at Heimtextil, the world's biggest textile exhibition held in Germany. A first-time fashion show took place recently in New York, as a group of Israeli designers from around the world presented their designs during a unique event organized by the Council of Young Jewish Presidents and the Taglit-Birthright Israel’s NEXT initiative. The goal of the event, which drew an audience of nearly one thousand people, was to promote a different side of Israeli culture. The Israeli fashion industry, as innovative as other Israeli sectors, is experimenting with recycled materials in an effort to be more sustainable.

Purim's traditional delicacy

The word hamantashen derives from two German words: mohn (poppy seed) and taschen (pockets). Mohntaschen was a popular German pastry; the Jews adapted the recipe and the name, and hamantaschen became a popular Purim pastry. In Hebrew, we call the cookies Oznei Haman, meaning Haman's ears. The most popular explanation of why Jews eat this three-cornered pastry on Purim is that Haman wore a three-cornered hat. Eating an image of Haman's hat (or ears) is a way symbolically to destroy his memory.

Hamantashen made with Yeast Dough

1 package (2-1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups flour       

1 cup warm water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

Egg Wash:

1 large egg

1 tablespoon water

Purchased filling of your choice!

Combine all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together all liquid ingredients. Gradually add dry ingredients to the liquid to form a dough. Knead dough for 5 –10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Spray a large mixing bowl with Pam and place dough inside. Spray Pam on dough and cover loosely with a towel until dough doubles in size.

Punch down dough. Divide into thirds on a lightly floured surface. Roll out each piece until it is ¼-inch thick. Cut out 3-inch rounds. Reroll scraps. Place filling in the center of each dough round. Fold three sides up to form a triangle, leaving some filling exposed in the center.

Place hamantashen 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Cover again and let rise at room temperature until nearly double, about one hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush tops of the hamantashen with the egg wash. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

To view one of the largest Purim parades in the city of Holon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_F-VX-29XM

Happy Purim!