Move Like Graggers

Move Like Graggers

 

Purim season has arrived, and with it, the typical fanfare of kids (and some adults) dressed up as astronauts, princesses with magenta or other zany colored wigs, Queen Esther herself, or otherwise in creative costumes, along with the traditions of hamantashens with various flavors and fillings, megillah readings, and of course, the potentially annoying yet beloved noisemaking devices otherwise known as groggers.

Purim season has arrived, and with it, the typical fanfare of kids (and some adults) dressed up as astronauts, princesses with magenta or other zany colored wigs, Queen Esther herself, or otherwise in creative costumes, along with the traditions of hamantashens with various flavors and fillings, megillah readings, and of course, the potentially annoying yet beloved noisemaking devices otherwise known as groggers.

Groggers have had a special place in Jewish tradition for drowning out the name of Haman, and for Jews near and far, the tradition does not seem to be going away anytime soon.

“Decades later, in my American home one Purim, the reading of the Megillah; the sound of groggers; the clamor of children, toddlers and adults; the delicious homemade sesame candy - after several years of wandering, we came to America, hamantaschen and hot chocolate all mixed together to create the happy atmosphere that celebrates the Jewish people’s victory over evil,” Miriam Paltiel Nevel, a Jewish immigrant to the United States seeking a better life compared to that of the former Soviet Union, spoke of Purim.

“I was sitting quietly amid the roar, and let my thoughts wander. In my mind’s eye, here was Uncle Itche Mordche rolling up his sleeves one at a time and booming, “Happy Purim! May all the Hamans have a downfall, and we should have warmth, happiness and great celebrations all together!” In my mind’s eye, a circle of children would mill around Itche Mordche, and he would dance with all the children and make l’chaims in fine Purim spirit.”

Written by Erin Parfet

Related Articles

More From Holy Days Videos

Pessach Medley with Micha Gamerman

With the fast approaching holiday of Pessach stating next week, Micha Gamerman released his new…
Pessach Medley with Micha Gamerman

Street Shofar Israel

Street Shofar treks across Israel -- from Jerusalem's Old City to military bases, from Bedouin…
Street Shofar Israel
Do You Want to Build the Sukkah

Do You Want to Build the Sukkah

This creatively done film was reportedly crafted, recorded, and filmed all in one day and is a…
Do You Want to Build the Sukkah

Six 13 - Starting Over

Are you looking for some uplifting holiday music for Rosh Hashanah? You may really enjoy this…
Six 13 - Starting Over

Six13 - P-A-S-S-O-V-E-R

Six13 is a New York City based six-man a cappella vocal group artfully combining traditional…
Six13 - P-A-S-S-O-V-E-R

How to properly use a Grogger

Rabbi Jeff is going to instruct us how to, and how not to, use a grogger. We will also learn…
How to properly use a Grogger

Six13 - A Star Wars Chanukah

Six13, a well-known musical group who has performed before millions including sitting US…
Six13 - A Star Wars Chanukah

On Yom Kippur it is Inscribed

The cantor and incredible choir of the Israeli Defense Forces sing U’netaneh Tokef, the…
On Yom Kippur it is Inscribed

Fasting

Fasting.A brief explanation of Yom Kippur fasting by Jeff Zaremsky.
Fasting

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation