Chabot Holidays: Purim

Chabot Holidays. Episode 1. Purim! The Purim parade is today, and I still can't decide what to wear! Should I be a king? A clown? A big, brave lion? I want to be everything! Puppy! Puppy! So many choices! While you decide, we will all tell you the Purim story, with the Botcohens! Come sit, everyone. Purim has a wonderful story. A long time ago, in the city of Shushan, there lived a king named Achashverosh. He chose a kind and wise young woman to be his queen. Her name was Esther. Esther's cousin Mordechai raised her. He was a good and wise leader of the Jewish people. The king had an advisor named Haman. Haman wanted everyone to bow down to him. Shake the groggers! That's right! When we hear Haman's name in the Megillah, we shake our groggers. But Mordechai bowed only to Hashem. That made Haman very angry, and he made a mean plan against all the Jewish people. Oh no! What did Esther do? Esther was very brave. First, she asked all the Jewish people to fast and pray for three days. Then she went to see the king, even though no one was allowed to come without being called. The king held out his golden scepter, and welcomed her. Esther invited the king and Haman to a special feast. At the feast, Esther told the king the truth. Haman's plan would hurt her, and all her people. So the king stopped Haman, and the Jewish people were saved! Sadness turned into joy. Hooray for Queen Esther! And Hashem's name isn't written in the Megillah, not even once. But Hashem was helping all along, hidden behind the scenes. Hidden, like in a costume! Maybe that's why we dress up! That's one beautiful reason! I know! I'll be Queen Esther, brave and kind! And I'll be Mordechai, riding the king's horse! I'll be an astronaut, just like Grandpa! Puppy! Happy Purim, my sweethearts! Look who is calling! Happy Purim from outer space! I'm waving to you from my rocket! Grandpa! I'm an astronaut too! The best astronaut I have ever seen! Shake a grogger for me at the parade! Grandpa is still exploring space, but he never misses a holiday hello. Happy Purim! I built toy-brick groggers for everyone! And here is a Purim basket for you, with two yummy treats. Thank you! That's mishloach manot. On Purim, we send gifts of food to our friends. Yay! And we give gifts to the poor. On Purim, we give to at least two people who need help. That way, everyone can be happy on Purim. Later, the whole family will have a big, happy Purim meal together. Hearing the Megillah, mishloach manot, gifts to the poor, and a festive meal. Four Purim mitzvahs! Look! A plane! We made it from Botsberg! Happy Purim, everyone! We wouldn't miss the Chabotville parade! Wheee! The whole family together. That's the sweetest gift of all. And so, everyone headed to the Chabotville Purim parade! Queen Esther is ready! Astronaut, ready for blast off! Woof! Remember, just like Esther, you can be brave and kind, every day. Happy Purim!