Religious School Blog

Hachnasat orchim - Hospitality, welcoming the stranger… The obligation of the Jewish value of Hachnasat Orchim comes from the early part of the Torah, Abraham and Sarah go out to meet the unexpected guests that arrive at their tent and work to make them feel comfortable. The mitzvah of welcoming guests, or hachnasat orchim, is not just about inviting people in, but also making them feel honored, relaxed, and at home. Welcoming guests is such an important Jewish value to teach our children! We can teach our children how to be hospitable when friends come over, when guests come for Shabbat dinner, or anytime an unexpected guest should arrive!

One mitzvah we are encouraged to perform on Purim is to give Mishloach Manot (giving gifts to others). The purpose of this lovely minhag (tradition) is to increase love and friendship between Jews, thereby removing Haman’s accusations that there is hatred among Jews. Delivering Mishloach Manot is an ideal opportunity to build relationships, let others know you are thinking of them, and spread happiness!

To incorporate both of these important Mizvot during the month of March below is a helpful list you may want to consider. Keep in mind that mishloach manot must contain at least two different kinds of food that are ready to eat.

Food Items
 hamantaschen (recipe below)
 fresh fruit
 nuts
 chocolate
 dried fruit
 candies
 baked goods
 Juice
 sparkling cider
 wine

Knick-knacks
 funny glasses
 fake mustaches
 hats
 felt masks
 decorative hat
 groggers (noisemakers)
 small toys
 puzzles

Ingredients
 1 cup sugar
 1 1/3 cups margarine (room-temperature)
 2 large eggs (room-temperature)
 6 tablespoons water
 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
 4 cups flour (all-purpose)
 Fillings of choice

Steps to Make It
1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Cream together sugar and margarine.
3. Add eggs and cream until smooth. Stir in water and vanilla.
4. Add flour, mixing until dough forms a ball.
5. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate a few hours.
6. Heat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Pinch off walnut-size pieces of dough and roll into a ball. Press ball between two pieces of waxed paper and transfer to the prepared baking sheets spacing about 1 inch apart.
8. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle of dough. Pinch to form a three-cornered hat.
9. Bake about 15 minutes or until just starting to brown.
10. Using a thin spatula, carefully remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Store cookies in a tightly covered container.

Important Religious School Dates for March:
March 1    Fri     PreK-5th Grade Dinner & Family Shabbat Service
March 3    Sun   Religious School Committee Meeting 10-11:30 am Ruach Day
March 17  Sun   Religious School - Purim Celebration
March 26  Tue   Religious School is in Session
March 31  Sun   Religious School is in Session