Community Magazine March 2014

64 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Shaatra Does It FRANCES HADDAD SHAATRA: The Purim Se’udah It’s the most joyous time of the year. The Hebrew month of Adar is in full swing, and Purim is coming around the corner faster than you can say, “Hamantash”! Get ready to dust off last year’s costumes and stuff those mishloah manot baskets that have been sitting in shopping bags at the bottom of your coat closet. True, dressing up the children and finding the perfect combination of foods to give out to family and friends require some planning and preparation. But there is one aspect of Purim day that seems not to get nearly as much attention as it deserves: the Purim se’udah (feast). The se’udah is one of the most central aspects of Purim day, during which we celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish nation from the hands of the evil Haman. So, this year, spend some time planning this pivotal event with a concoction of key ingredients that will make it an experience to remember. Dining Room Décor Transform your dining room from the everyday table surrounded by chairs into a themed wonderland that will enhance the Purim festivities. You can dress the table in complementary colors; blue and gold work when aiming for a majestic feel, while black and white are perfect for a fresh, modern look. The usual floral centerpieces are a beautiful but comfortable focal point. For a refreshing and Purim-like change, opt for candy filled glass vases (jelly beans or taffies work well!). Be sure to set the table well in advance, so you are free to enjoy Purim day, and fulfill your mishloah manot and Megillah obligations. Send in your tips for the next edition Pesach mobile: Scan the QR code at right online: go.CommunityM.com/ask email: Ask@CommunityM.com facsimile: 718-504-4246 postal mail: 1616 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11223 The Finest of Delicacies All memorable meals have one thing in common: delectable delights! Plan a meat menu in order to fulfill the halachic obligation for the meal (cold cuts and mazza are delicious se’udah staples) and start cooking main courses the day before Purim (at least!). Remember, you don’t want to be stuck clanging pots and pans in the kitchen while the rest of your family members are running around in costumes dancing to Purim tunes. Planning is the key to enjoyment, and with appropriate planning, the meal will be ready to be heated and served in no time at all. Come One, Come All An open-door policy is the norm on Purim. Dancing yeshiva boys, friends bearing mishloah manot and grandparents coming to see how adorable the kids look are likely to be behind that ringing doorbell over the course of the day. With each guest who walks through your front door, the natural Syrian-mom inclination to offer a seat and food to eat may grow ever stronger. Since you don’t know when or how many people will stop in, it is a good idea to have a few extra chairs and a spare assortment of kibbeh handy for the throngs of celebrants that might be flocking to your home. Purim Tunes Purim is a celebration like no other, and the way to enhance the party is with some rolling music. Create a mix CD with your favorite Purim songs ( “Mishenichnas Adar,” “Venahafoch Hu,” etc.) to play throughout the day. And for those technologically advanced readers who are thinking, “Who on earth uses CDs anymore?” fill your iPod with those dance-worthy tunes and plug it into speakers. This way, the dancing won’t need to stop! Red, White, or Champagne? One or two bottles of wine are necessary parts of the Purim feast. Decide between sweet, dry or bubbly, based on what will complement your meal best. Just a note of caution: wine will be on the table as it is appropriate to drink on Purim (within limits), but be careful to drink responsibly and keep all liquor away from youngsters. The Grand Finale Prior to the se’udah , get your children involved in meal prep by inviting them to bake hamantash. The ones filled with strawberry, apricot or prune flavored jelly are crowd favorites. Buy some colorful sorbet, add some scoops alongside the hamantash, and voila! You have the perfect dessert. The Purim se’udah gives us the chance to celebrate a joy-filled and beautiful holiday. Whether you choose to go all out, or aim for a more simplified version, don’t get too bogged down. Enjoy and relish the beauty of having family and friends around your table on this most special occasion, and make this day as merry and festive as it can be! R E A D E R S T I P S I freeze mazzah weeks in advance and defrost the day before Purim. When the se’udah comes around, it’s all ready to go! K.B. I buy beautiful plastic plates for the inevitable flow of guests, so cleanup is 1-2-3! RachelN .