In homeschool history, we are currently studying the Persian takeover of Babylonia, the Battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, & Salamis, Pheidippides, Queen Esther, Xerxes I, et al; so when we realized that Purim was near on the calendar, we decided a traditional feast was a no-brainer to help flesh out the curriculum.
A traditional Jewish holiday in honor of Queen Esther, I’m convinced if Jesus were around today (let’s not split hairs, People, you know what I mean) He would also observe this special day.
As luck Providence would have it, greek-salad-loving Bestie Courtney and her Bouncing Bundle of Sweetness decided to zip over from Washington for a quick visit, and they were able to celebrate with us. Coincidentally, Bestie Courtney keeps a Jewish diet (no pork or shellfish, etc) so that helped to shape our menu, and maintain authenticity.
Though I grew up attending many Iranian [Persian] gatherings in my folks’ best friends’ home, I have yet to master the epic basmati that our Columbian/Iranian hosts would serve, and, as a rule, don’t eat lamb. Accordingly, our feast had a broader Mediterranean feel– Greek-ish? Similar even to what I ate during my time in Morocco a few years ago: Yogurt/Curry Chicken, Orzo, olives, grapes, cheese, Turkey Meatballs, hummus & naan, fermented grape juice (wink!), and tea.
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The kids dressed up, as is customary, and after dinner we watched the VeggieTales version of the story of Esther(currently on Netflix, fyi).
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And now, with the kiddos safely tucked in bed, we’re watching one of my all-time favorite films, 300, which happens to depict Xerxes I of Persia, the very king to whom Esther was married. The film is historically accurate, and, though quite gory, visually stunning and even romantic.
I heart history.
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