MARCH 21 • 2024 | 39
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Purim comes around every year, but in some
ways feels more relevant this year because we
are facing a time of antisemitism, says Ayala
Kohn, director of education at Aish Detroit.
Kids can relate to the heroism of Esther in
the sense that the king chose her, and she
stepped up for her people, she says.
“A lot of us are trying our best to step up for
those who feel less safe,” Kohn says. “It’s like
how history repeats itself, we’re a little bit living
some of that Purim story.”
A holiday theme is connecting with your true
self, she says. “It’s an important year to cele-
brate because we’re celebrating that we’re still
here in the face of adversity, and we’re holding
onto our traditions.” Those traditions then get
passed on to the next generation, she says,
adding that one important lesson of Purim is to
be proud of who you are. “Esther stood proud
of who she was and her values.”
They’re having a superhero-themed Purim
event on March 24, she says, adding that this
Purim, kids can take the opportunity to share
the spirit of the holiday, the idea of giving and
sharing with others. “Look for opportunities to
make others smile,” she says. “That’s the kind
of joy we want to share this Purim, that way of
sharing joy with others.”
Looking for more Purim celebrations near
you? Ask your parents to take a look around
town for more events coming up in honor of
the holiday. Here’s one more to get you start-
ed:
Dor Hadash is having a Purim party at the
Downtown Synagogue, which is a collabo-
ration between Downtown Synagogue and
Congregation T’chiyah. They’ll have arts and
crafts, spoon racing, a beanbag toss and
more. There will be prizes and hamantashen,
along with a costume parade. “It’s a fun hol-
iday to celebrate with families and with your
community,” says Heather Gale, director of
Dor Hadash. “It’s a noisy holiday!”
HAMAN-KNISHES
HAMAN-KNISHES
Ready to mix it up a little?
Try making these haman-knishes.
You’ll need:
1 package puff pastry sheets
1 package instant mashed potato mix in
the flavor of your choice
1 egg
Here’s what to do:
1. Defrost and spread out puff pastry sheets.
2. Use a round cookie cutter, or the top of a drinking
glass to cut as many circles as possible out of each
sheet of puff pastry.
3. Make mashed potato mix according to the package.
4. Put one spoonful of mashed potato mix at the center
of each circle, and fold in edges to make a triangle.
5. Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk.
6. Brush egg over the prepared triangles.
7. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes
till they are golden brown. Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of Ayala Kohn, director of education, Aish Detroit
The
Heroism
of Esther