Go into many of our local markets and bakeries and you'll already find shelves stocked with hamentashen, a traditional Purim treat. Called oznei haman/Haman's ears in Hebrew, they are pastry pockets, traditionally filled with mohn/poppy seeds. These days hamentashen contain anything from apricot or prune filling (our Sisterhood bakers' specialty) to pizza filling, marmalade or chocolate chips. Some associate this three cornered cookie with Haman's hat which supposedly had three corners. I like to imagine him strutting around singing - my hat it has three corners, three corners has my hat. And had it not three corners, it would not be my hat. We often sing this song in Hebrew as well:
Song lyrics aside, three cornered hats are not so prevalent. Instead, we wear kippot/yarmulkes. I love going through our kippah basket at home and remembering the gatherings and simhahs commemorated by the stamp on the inside and recalling those who crocheted kippot for special occasions. Many of you may do the same in your home and in shul where we have head coverings available on Shabbat and when people enter our building. Kippot not only remind us of the sacred inside and our call to act in holy ways in the world, they can spark conversation and beautiful memories as well. If you have an overabundance of kippot that are calling to be "re-homed," feel free to deliver them to Michelle in our office at Habonim and we'll include them in our regular kippah rotation. Make sure to sort through your offerings in advance and include only kippot in good condition.
As the month of Adar begins, we pray mishenichnas adar marbim v'simhah. Let us infuse this new month with extra joy, awakening our memories and sharing them with others. Add to the simhah and make time to hear the Megillah on Monday night, March 6/14 Adar at 6:30pm. Arrive earlier for our community shpiel (check your email or click here for specifics) or join us when we begin the reading at 6:30pm in the sanctuary at Habonim (Megillah reading available on Zoom at 6:30pm as well - register here). Costumes encouraged for all. Three cornered hats, optional.
Hodesh Tov!
rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
