Gifts from the Jesus Boat to Celebrate Purim

Purim celebrates Jewish deliverance according to the Book of Esther. After the Kingdom of Judah was destroyed, the Jews were taken into the 70-year Babylonian captivity. When ancient Persia gained control, Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerus, planned to kill the Jews. His plans, however, were foiled by Esther and her uncle, Mordecai.

 

This celebration of survival takes place annually on the 14th day of Adar in the Jewish calendar. Purim customs include giving food baskets as gifts, eating hamantashen pastries (Haman’s Ears), donating to charity and participating in parades, plays and carnivals complete with costumes and noisemakers.

 

 

 

Notably the most widely observed Purim tradition is masquerading. Donning masks and costumes is a way to hide your identity. It also is an entertaining way to act out the theme of mistaken identity found throughout the story of Esther.

 

The most important custom is to listen to the Megillat Esther (The Book of Esther) read aloud. Typically, this reading is done in a synagogue to publicly pronounce the miracles of Purim. The Book of Esther is called the Megillah and is traditionally read on the eve of Purim and the next morning. The Talmud, the written record rabbinic thought pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history, prescribes how the Megillah should be read. This includes boisterous congregational participation complete with noise-makers called groggers which they spin at the mention of Haman, the villain of the story who is out to destroy the Jews.

 

Here are some gifts you can buy to celebrate Purim.

Wooden noisemaker: Also known as a grogger in Yiddish or Ra'ashan in Hebrew. It is customary to make noise when reading out Haman's name while reciting the Book of Esther on Purim.

 

White wine from the Golan Heights: Yarden Mount Hermon White is made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with a bit of Semillon.

 

Tambourines: Designed by artist Yair Emanuel, these tambourines feature colorful and cheerful scenic of Jerusalem. Hand painted on genuine leather with a brush using acrylic colors and then lacquered, their vivid and harmonious colors characterize the hand-painted leather.

 

Mezuzahs: The mezuzah is a special object placed on a home's doorpost as a fulfillment of God’s commandment. It reminds us that God is ever-present and we should live by His will. Choose from a variety of styles including olive wood, nickel plated or stone that feature the Ten Commandments, the Tower of David, the Lion of Judah and the Torah scroll.

 

Kosher Teffilin: Upon reaching adulthood at age 13, boys put on the phylacteries known in Hebrew as Tefillin. Based on a Biblical commandment from Deuteronomy (6:4-9), there are two square tefillin, boxes with long straps. Made of leather, one is placed on the forehead between the eyes, the other on the left arm, close to the heart. The box for the head has four compartments, each containing a Hebrew quotation. The arm piece has a single strap with all four sections inscribed.

 

Kiddush Cups: Jerusalem was the site of Solomon's and the Second Temple. The Western Wall, a principal part of the design, is a remnant of the Second Temple. Christianity respects Jerusalem not only for its Old Testament history but also for its significance in the life of Jesus. Traditionally, the Kiddush Cup is filled with grape wine or grape juice and used during the blessing of the Shabbat and holiday meals. During Passover, the Kiddush Cup is used in honor of Elijah the Prophet. Kiddush means "sanctification" in Hebrew. It is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the Shabbat, Jewish holiday or a Bat/Bar Mitzvah. The Kiddush does not have to be said in Hebrew. It can be said in English or any other language that everyone understands. Choose from silver, gold, nickel plated or pewter that boast a variety of designs, including the Tower of David.

 

Inspirational Jewelry: A beautiful expression of faith is wearing inspirational jewelry. Meaningful symbols adorn a variety of Messianic, Christian and Judaic designs crafted in sterling silver, 14k gold, semi-precious stones, gold-fill and Roman glass from casual to classic.

 

The online Jesus Boat Shop, JesusBoat.com, offers the same prodigious products, service and experience as the one in Israel. So when you buy Judaica products online from JesusBoat.com you know you are getting something special to facilitate your spiritual walk.