Free Printable Jewish Purim Activities

Purim is a Jewish festival with importance for Christians. It comes from the Bible book of Esther.  Thecelebration of Purim begins at sundown on February 24, 2013. Each year Jewish observances fall on different days, because they follow the Hebrew calendar, not western Gregorian calendar. Purim celebrates the bravery and wisdom of a Jewish girl, Esther who became queen to Ahasuerus, King of Persia. King Ahasuerus's first wife Queen Vashti was very beautiful. One night the King demanded that Vashti parade naked in front of all his guests. She refused and was excecuted.

King Ahasuerus, seeking a new queen, noted the lovely Esther, niece to his advisor Mordechai. Mordechai was a leader of the Jewish people exiled in Persia. Haman, evil prime minister to Ahasuerus, decreed that everyone should bow to the King, hoping to get rid of Esther and Mordechai who were Jewish and would bow to no one but Yahweh. When Mordechai was sentenced to the gallows, Esther went forth to the king, braving his wrath to plead for her people. Ahasuerus's heart was softened and Haman was put to death instead.  For activities to celebrate Purim, read on. Free Printable Purim Activities

Farewell to the Flesh Meatless Lenten Recipes

I started dieting 18 months ago. I wanted to lose weight and develop healthier eating. Initially I ate a vegan-vegetarian diet. Since then, I've tweaked my protein intake to include healthier meats and protein sources. Using these food switches, I 've cut out roughly 1,000 calories a day. Use these meat and fish food swaps for lent when we say "farewell to the flesh!"  Protein, Meat Food Swaps to Cut Calories

Valentine Crafts for Catholics, Orthodox, Byzantine: Mosaics

Coming back to school in January after holiday can be pretty dreary especially when the weather is wet and cold and the days are shorter. It's difficult to keep educational momentum, whether in public, Catholic or home school. Start the New year off with an engaging, interactive unit: mosaics. Perfect for Valentine's Day, too! Robert Sabuda's book "Saint Valentine" shown left, uses mosaics in the lovely illustrations. Teach mosaics to all ages and across the curriculum. Mosaics are an art form in which murals are made using tiny tiles or pieces of paper cut in geometric shapes to create a picture. Mosaics are Persian in origin and are often seen in Turkey, Iran and Iraq. Byzantine and Orthodox traditions use mosaics. Here are lesson plans.  Social Studies, Math, Art and Valentine's Day Unit: Mosaics