Purim Spiel (A Purim Play)

ABOUT THE BOOK
FAMILY ACTIVITIES

By Levin Kipnis | Illustrated by Nachum Gutman

Come see the show!

The song Purim Spiel or Purim Play is written as a humorous script based on the Book of Esther. It is an invitation to watch a children’s play with a big cast, all dressed up as Megillah characters: Mordechai, Queen Esther, King Achashverosh and Haman.

Family Activities

Come see the show! The song Purim Spiel or Purim Play is written as a humorous script based on the Book of Esther. It is an invitation to watch a children's play with a big cast, all dressed up as Megillah characters: Mordechai, Queen Esther, King Achashverosh and Haman.

Classroom Activities

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Come see the show!

The song Purim Spiel or Purim Play is written as a humorous script based on the Book of Esther. It is an invitation to watch a children's play with a big cast, all dressed up as Megillah characters: Mordechai, Queen Esther, King Achashverosh and Haman.

Humor-filled performances have been staged in various Jewish communities on Purim since the 16th century. In Yiddish they were called Purim Spiel, in Arabic – Kal'aat Purim. Levin Kipnis perpetuated this Purim tradition in a song which is in fact a script for a children's play, to be performed by them. His words were put to music by Nahum Nardi as part of a children's Purim play, and later illustrated by Nachum Gutman. The book in its current format was first published in 1933, and the songs in it have been an integral part of many a Purim among Israeli children.

פעילות בחיק המשפחה

You may enjoy looking together at Nachum Gutman's special, 80-year-old illustrations. Did you notice that all the characters in the book, even the horse, are actually children in costume? You could make simple animal costumes at home using paper or foam sheets to create ears, belts for tails, or any other similar idea. Now the kids can crawl on all fours and turn into neighing horses, barking dogs, bleating sheep and so on.
Do you know the tune to Purim Play? You may want to listen to the song, clap along to the music, or accompany it with your own instrument, and dance together
Many children love to dress up, and not only on Purim! You can make costumes at home using clothes, colorful kerchiefs, and simple accessories found in every home. How about making paper crowns and tiaras, or clown's hats, and having a family costume party?
Do you remember a particular Purim costume from the time you were a child? Did you also dress up as Mordechai or Esther? Have you saved photographs from previous years? You may want to share those with your child.
You could tell your child about the custom of sending each other mishlochei manot - Purim baskets of food. You may want to prepare such a basket at home, placing pastries, fruit or candy on a pretty napkin, and give it to your neighbor, friend, or favorite babysitter.