JCoS were delighted to host two very successful Hamantashen baking events in preparation for Purim in Glasgow and Inverness.

Hamantashen are a traditional Purim biscuit, shaped like a triangle, in order to remember Haman, the villain of the Purim story, and 40 community members and a few interested observers gathered at Garnethill Synagogue in Glasgow's West End to mix the dough, roll it out, and fill it with traditional fillings like jam and dried fruit, as well as less-traditional fillings such as chopped Kit-Kats and frosted corn flakes!

While the Hamantashen baked, participants also had the opportunity to go on a tour of the historic synagogue, as for many people it was their first time visiting the building which was completed in 1889.

They also tested their knowledge with a Purim quiz, and there were craft activities for the children. Participants went home with trays full of Hamantashen to get them in the Purim spirit.

In Inverness the following week, participants came together at the SHIMCA Centre to bake their Hamantashen. Participants shared their own cultural food traditions, which was a lovely way for everyone to get to know each other. They learned about the story of Purim, as well as discussing the various customs and traditions which are celebrated on the holiday. It was the first JCoS event in Inverness since the Covid pandemic, and it set the stage for more gatherings that we are now planning to hold in different parts of the Highlands.

One of the highlights of both events was having such a broad range of participants, from across the community and our friends, spanning different ages and backgrounds, and having an activity which everyone could participate in together.