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| Purim Crafts From Jewish Holiday Treats by Joan Zoloth Tzedaka box Purim is a time to give to those less fortunate. Tzedakas, or charity boxes, are used to collect money, and making tzedakas at home is a lovely way to teach children about giving to worthy causes. You can use a variety of materials to make such a box. Below is one simple and colorful container than can be made in just a few minutes. For each box you will need: Measuring tape Clean, dry baking powder tin, or other similar container Felt in desired color Scissors White glue Decorations such as flat beads, glitter, bells, miniature silk flowers Use the measuring tape to measure the height and circumference of the tin. Using the measuring tape and scissors, measure and cut out a rectangle of felt to match the measurements of the tin. Spread glue over the surface of the tin and wrap the rectangle of felt around it. Let dry for at least one hour. You are now ready to decorate your box in any number of ways. Glue flat beads to your box to spell out your name or dot with glue and dust with glitter. Attach tiny bouquets of silk flowers or line the box with bells. There are no rules, so have fun. Queen Esther crown We honor the courage of Queen Esther by dressing up as her for the costume parties that are common to the Purim holiday. This is a fast, simple crown that can be cut out of construction paper for a small child to decorate. For one crown you will need: Scissors, 1 sheet yellow or gold construction paper Paper punch 1 yard gold yarn all-purpose white glue silver or gold glitter Use the scissors and cut a zig-zag across the paper to make two serrated strips. Wrap one of the strips around your child’s head and trim to fit. Use a paper punch to make a hole at either end. Tie an 18-inch piece of yarn in each hold. Lay the crown flat and drizzle glue all over it. If the child is too young, you can do this task. Sprinkle glitter on the wet glue. Let dry completely before wearing. To wear, tie the crown around your child’s head and tie the yarn in a bow so that the crown fits snugly. Hamantaschen Here, the hamantaschen are stuffed with prune and poppy seed fillings. Poppy seeds commemorate Queen Esther’s fast, when she at only seeds as she prayed for the repeal of the decree. Yields about 20 pastries Dough: ¾ c sugar 2 c all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/3 c butter or margarine, cut into pieces 2 Tbl water ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 egg, beaten Egg wash: 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp water fillings: ¼ pound pitted prunes ¼ small apple, peeled and grated 1 tsp honey 5 Tbl poppy seeds 1 ½ Tbl honey Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a baking sheet. Stir together the sugar, flour, and baking powder in a bowl. Add the butter pieces and mix in with a fork until crumbly. Add the water, vanilla and egg. Mix until the dough comes together in a ball. Sprinkle flour on a work surface and a rolling pin, then flour your hands. Pinch off a piece of dough and roll it into a ball about 1½ inches in diameter. Using the rolling pin, roll out the ball into a round about 1/8-inch thick. Brush with egg wash. Put a teaspoon of filling in the middle of the round. Fold up three edges of the dough and pinch them together to make a triangle. Brush the entire cookie with egg wash. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Bake until light golden at the edges, about 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack. Prune filling Put the prunes in a pan. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Drain and let cool. Chop the prunes, then combine with the apple and honey and mix well. Poppy seed filling Soak the poppy seeds overnight; drain well. Grind them in a food processor, add the honey and mix well. | ||||||||
