A (PURIM) Feast for the Mind
For grades 5-12
Introduction | Task | Procedure | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Teacher's Guide
Introduction:
Zap! You have been magically transported back in time to the time of Purim (5th century B.C.E.). Despite all your efforts, you can't seem to return to the present. What are you going to do now?
Task:
Since you have been unable to figure out how to get back to the 21st Century, you decide to make the best of it. Being new in "time", you decide to hold a dinner party and invite some of the people in Persia and get to know them better.
Procedure:
1. Plan your dinner party with your group. Share your research and bounce ideas off of each other! If you want your party to be a success, you have to work together!
2. In order to hold a successful dinner party in the
Ancient Persia, you must first find out all you can about this period. Using
Megillat Esther (The Book of Esther) and the links in the Resource section,
investigate this time period. Look for things like:
a. Major historical events (wars, etc.)
b. Court intrigue (conspiracies, etc.)
c. Famous people (royalty, nobility, etc.)
d. Culture in Persia
e. Clothing styles
f. Daily life and social norms
3.
After you complete your research,
you and your group will plan your party. Some things to consider:
a. What to serve? (group must choose an appropriate menu)
b. Background music? (if so, what kind?)
c. Attire?
d. Decorations
d. Guest list (should include people from different parts of society: including
royalty, nobles, commoners, etc.)
e. Dinner conversation topics (what is happening at this time?)
4. You and your group will design party invitations, choose a menu and your guest list. Remember to over-invite. Not every guest you invite will be able to make it. (These are busy people, after all!) Make sure your teacher reviews your guest list!
5. Each group member will assume the identity of one of the guests (including wearing an appropriate costume) and "be" that individual for the duration of the party.
6. Each party will take place in front of the class for the amount of time specified by the teacher. Individuals must stay "in their character" for the duration of the party. Party conversations will be about key issues of the day. Your teacher (who has also been transported back in time) will be a guest at each party in order to "keep the conversation moving" if necessary.
Resources:
General Resources:Megillat Esther (The Book of Esther)Map of the Persian Empire, c. 500 B.C.E. Introduction to Achaemenidian Persia (see sidebar on the left for more specific topics like food, customs, etc. History of the Achaemenid Empire, 550-420 BCE
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People in Ancient Persia: |
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Persian Society: |
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Evaluation:
Was your party a success? Check the rubric below.
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PurimQuest |
Excellent 4 Points |
Good 3 Points |
Satisfactory 2 Points |
Poor 1 Point |
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Did all of your guests participate in the conversations? |
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Were the conversations relevant to the period? |
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Were the costumes, menu, decorations & entertainment appropriate? |
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Conclusion:
You managed to learn a lot about Purim just by partying!!!
You now know more about the personalities involved and the society in which the Purim story took place. Be sure to share your new knowledge with everyone at your Purim seudah (feast). Chag sameach!
© Chana German for The Lookstein Center, 2003.