Purim is the holiday of hidden miracles. On Purim we relive the miraculous events that occurred. We listen to the reading of the Megillah ( the scroll of Esther ) on the evening of Purim, and again the next morning. The Megillah tells the story of Esther, Mordecai, the King, and Haman. When Hamans name is spoken we twirl groggers (noisemakers) and stamp our feet to eradicate the name of Haman.
It is customary to send gifts on Purim as an expression of happiness over the triumph of Esther. The custom includes sending gifts of money, food, and goodies to relatives, friends, and neighbors. This custom is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah 8:10. It is traditional to send 2 foods to friends and give charity to the poor. The Hebrew name for this custom is mishloach manot. The word manot plurally means gifts or portions.
The Purim meal is a festive one. The meal (seuda) is eaten on the afternoon of the holiday. Some of the foods for the Purim holiday meal are hamantaschen, kreplach, and challa, .salted cooked beans and peas.
Recipe for hamantaschen: