Mishloach Manot? Shalloch Manos? No, I am not speaking in tongues. I am just speaking in Hebrew. And Yiddish.
Every year to celebrate Purim, we have a little party (with Hamantaschen of course) and give mishloach manot to our friends. Here’s Wikipedia’s official description of this “festive gift basket:”
“Mishloach manot (pronounced “mish-LOH-ach mah-NOTE,” literally, “sending of portions”; also spelled mishloach manos and sometimes shortened to shalach manos), and also called a Purim basket, are gifts of food or drink that are sent to friends, relatives, neighbors, teachers, business associates, and any other acquaintances on Purim day. The mitzvah of giving mishloach manot derives from the Book of Esther. It is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast.”
At this time of year (every year!) we also receive a beautiful gluten free gift basket from my husband’s parents with all sorts of yummy treats, which we greatly appreciate.
This year, we made gluten free shalloch manos and gave them to the families in our Chavurah. I included all kinds of treats from my gluten free Purim recipe roundup as well as gluten free Chocolate Raspberry Hamantaschen, my latest healthy Purim dessert.
I hope you all have a lovely Purim, and make sure to check your gift baskets for gluten. The ones my in-laws send are gluten free, the one in the photo above is not. Chag Samaech!
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Valinda says
Elana,
After taking Hebrew from a sabra for over two years, I still get corrected when in Israel, so I am happy to see your Hebrew words with references. I have only experienced Purim in Israel one time, but it was a rewarding experience.
Your mishloach manot is beautiful. Hamantaschen are one of my favorite cookies and to know I can eat them without feeling bad is a celebration. Thank you for all your hard work and masterful recipes!
Kol HaKavod!
Tammy says
How fun to receive a beautiful gift basket like that :)
~M says
Chag sameach!
Naomi Ruth says
How inspiring to read that a women from Israel (Raquel of Galilee) was baking your scrumptious Hamantaschens alongside me in Manhattan. Last night I hosted a group of 6 dear friends of mine for our monthly gathering of Mah Jongg. We are all in our mid-twenties, and it is very special to have the sweet ritual of playing this game like by bubbie (grandmother) does with her friends. I was inspired by your recipe, and made it for the group. They said “these are the BEST hamantaschens I have ever had, by FAR”. A great compliment to you. Now, reading your blog on Shalloch Manos, it is so special that you inspire Jews, Non-Jews, and those that are curious. A GREAT mitzvah! Chag Sameach to you, and thank you for the gift of your blog & recipes!
Lynnette says
I love “community” and especially for growing together, sharing spirituality, events, and holidays. At least per googling Chavura as I hadn’t heard it before. We all could benefit from such a lovely gathering with like minded pals. Thank you for sharing this holiday ritual Elana!
Nancy says
cannot wait to get home and make hamentashen that I can actually eat — (My regular ones are already done and distributed) WIll try both last year’s and the new one —
Chag Samach
David says
Chag Samaech!
AnnMarie Deis says
I recently discovered that my grandfather was of Jewish heritage. We didn’t know him as he was estranged from my father’s family when they immigrated to the US from Ukraine when my father was little, but I am told that he was actually a decent person, very intelligent, and was someone I wish I had at least gotten to know — even if he could never have replaced my “babcia.” Since my discovery, I have been reading about the Jewish faith as it is a beautiful one.
Happy “holiday” is not totally inappropriate, is it? ;)
P.S. Beautiful basket!
elana says
Totally appropriate :-)
Raquel of Galilee says
Elana,
This morning (FRI, it’s our “Sunday”) I had breakfast with the man I love in the garden since we are having such warm weather in the Galilee. I decided not to wait for Purim and to taste your Chocolate Raspberry Hamantaschen that I made yesterday. The texture is so lovely and the taste is so delicious – I’m going to include them in the mishloach manot I send to my neighbors on Purim morning. Thank you once more.
The Book of Esther is read in synagogues on the eve of Purim and Purim morning. In our community, we have a special reading for women after the main reading, so mothers of small children can come and enjoy the experience without hushing the babies. We come in costumes and the Book of Esther is sung to us by 9 women of the community – one chapter each.
I wish you and your loved ones many years of festivities together.
Yaelian says
What a lovely looking misloah manot-basket!
Happy Purim:)