CUXX-17

CU PKK K-1:18 Purim – Customs and symbols Goal: Students will review the legend behind the story of Purim and what symbols are still used in celebrating today Materials mask making materials (feathers, cloth scraps, glitter, scissors, yarn scraps, cardboard), hamantaschen, 1. ** Gain attention of the learner ** Bring to class some masks of different characters. 2. ** Review relevant past learning ** Many traditions we follow today were inspired by stories and legends. Tu B’Shvat is a seasonal holiday, Hanukah is a holiday we follow because of legend passed down to inspire others to stand up to oppressors while remind us not to become oppressors ourselves. 3. ** Present new material ** The legend of Purim describes the bravery of a Queen to speak up to the King so that Jews were not killed. Legends are often told of brave people who show qualities that others can follow. As the story is legend is told and retold, many elements of the story became practices. 4. ** Provide guided practice ** Pictures of the four main characters of the story. It became a tradition in Italy to retell the story as a play with people acting out the characters from the story dressing up in the clothes the characters may have worn. As Jews moved from Italy to other countries, the tradition traveled with them. In Israel, however, the tradition changed to more modern interpretation of dressing up in any fun way to make the holiday festive. 5. ** Provide independent practice ** A custom of the holiday of Purim is to wear costumes and another custom is for having fun with our family. Some people like to wear costumes and masks because they can pretend to be someone they aren’t. Sometimes our faces are like masks and we put on a different face to hide what we are thinking. Ask students to think of someone they would like to pretend to be. Provide materials to make masks. 6. ** Close the lesson ** Have children parade around the classroom holding their masks. After they return to their seats, have them describe their masks and tell why the chose to make them.