Hamantaschen

A festive Jewish holiday*
We celebrate today,
When children dress in costumes
And much merriment holds sway.

An evil man named Haman
Tried to have the Jews all killed.
The king, whose wife was Jewish,
Saw that deed was unfulfilled.

Since Haman wore a certain hat
Triangular in shape,
We eat three-cornered cakes to honor
Our too-close escape.

Called hamantaschen, they’re delish
And filled with fruit or “mun”
(Which translates into poppy seeds,
And that’s my favorite one).

The Purim story’s read each year
And Haman’s name is booed,
But afterwards we nosh,
With lots of hamantaschen chewed.

Commemorating history
With something we can taste
Takes a little of the bitter
And with sweetness it’s replaced.

*called Purim
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

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Guzzi Avatar
March 7, 2015 at 3:43 PM
Nice to see this information on Soup! Light & Love
Dietrich Avatar
March 5, 2015 at 11:38 PM
Hey, I think Matt wrote about this holiday as well. I did not even know you were Jewish, did I?? Very cool poem on this holiday.
Bauer Avatar
March 6, 2015 at 7:41 PM
hey andrea! yes, i think matthew and i are the only jewish poets on this site (or at least it seems that way). i'm not very religious but i do like to celebrate some of the holidays (at least by eating the foods!). thanks for your comment...
Manassian Avatar
March 5, 2015 at 2:53 PM
What touches me also about that story, Ilene was that it took place in Persia....my country of birth. A fascinating story of deliverance...For God brought her to reign..."For such a time as this." Lovely...glad you enjoyed the celebrations. Hugs
Bauer Avatar
March 6, 2015 at 7:39 PM
yes, good old queen esther saved the day! i'm surprised and glad that you know the story, eileen. thanks for reading and commenting - it means a lot to me!
Allison Avatar
March 5, 2015 at 1:17 PM
I have learned something new Ilene - I worked for a Jewish family as a nanny for a year and have never heard of this celebration lol:-) Hugs Jan xx 7 xx
Bauer Avatar
March 5, 2015 at 2:06 PM
Hey Jan! I'm surprised at that, too. It's a fun holiday for kids. Thanks for your comment...
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