JFS Boulder: Creating a cultural connection

Traditions connect us to our faith and family, often spanning generations and creating a sense of belonging. They are a link to our past, whether it’s sharing a ritual or passing down a recipe. Recently, the two combined at our Purim baking event.

Purim commemorates the Jewish people’s salvation by Queen Esther from Haman’s plot to destroy them. As part of the holiday, hamantaschen, a triangular pastry filled with either sweet or savory goodness, is eaten to depict Haman’s defeat, with the cookie’s shape symbolizing the villain’s hat, ears, or pocket, and each bite representing the triumph of good over evil. This may seem like a lot to accomplish for a cookie, but these are no ordinary treats. When they’re made with love, the “celebrate life” holiday custom is appreciated throughout our community.

Food and traditions unify people, and last month, 16 volunteers gathered in the Boulder JCC’s kitchen for a Purim hamantaschen baking event. While some shared stories about making the cookies with their grandmothers growing up, others learned how to fold the dough into the distinctive shape so they could start a new tradition to pass down. Along with JFS Boulder’s Development and Community Engagement Manager, Miche Bacher, the group made more than 500 cookies filled with chocolate, apricot, raspberry, fig, and poppy seed, made from scratch just as grandmothers would have. JFS clients received the cookies, and, as part of our partnership with the JCC, they also handed out treats.

“Each month in the Jewish calendar has its own personality,” shared Miche. “Purim is in the month of Adar, which is about joy. Making these cookies, taking a moment to reclaim joy in the kitchen, and having a connection to the past—especially when people are struggling, and there’s so much turmoil around us—is quite meaningful.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us, baked, shared memories, and helped to create joy so that others could commemorate Purim!