SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILY CELEBRATION

Hearing the reading of the Megillat Esther is central to Purim observance. Many synagogues have special parties, plays or Jewish music following the evening reading. Both children and adults attend in costume. Children usually enjoy the costumes, groggers and festive atmosphere. If your child is reading some Hebrew, you might like to bring a child-friendly megillah to follow along.

Groggers (noisemakers) are used to obliterate the name of the villainous Haman each time it is mentioned during the reading. In Jewish tradition, blotting out a name is the ultimate destruction. This is certainly a high point for children, as it is the only time they actually are encouraged to make as much noise as possible in shul! Most synagogues give out small metal noisemakers, but making your own grogger can be lots of fun, too.

A few suggestions are:

• Drop a marble or some beans inside a clean, empty soda bottle. Screw the top back on, and decorate the outside with stickers, ribbons, etc.
• Fill an empty metal band-aid box with anything noisy -- nuts and bolts and jingle bells work well. Decorate the box.
• Fold a sturdy paper plate in half. Decorate the outside, add a few beans to the inside, and staple it shut.
• Take the toddler musical instruments out of storage -- drums, cymbals, tambourines or a plastic recorder are perfect for this special night.
• Toddlers love nothing more than banging on a pot with a wooden spoon!

Mishloach manot containers may be made simply from sturdy paper plates. Decorate the rims with stickers and line with colored tissue paper. Place foods on the plate, and then cover with clear or colored plastic wrap. Inexpensive woven baskets can be purchased at craft stores. Add a bow and tissue paper, and insert your goodies. Children also may make enclosure cards.