Chag Purim Sameach!

Purim is often celebrated with costumes, groggers (noisemakers), and a creative performance called a spiel, which means play in Yiddish.  

The Purim spiel is traditionally a performance that retells the Purim story from the biblical Book of Esther while providing commentary on current events. 

Check out this festive collage using photos from the JMM collections that relate to Purim.

Still looking for a Purim costume? 

Download these Purim style masks to print and wear to your festivities! 

Images featured:

• JMM 1999.162.001 

A grogger made from solid wood pieces, c. 1900. It was found in the basement of a Highlandtown rowhouse. 

• JMM 1996.010.110.001 

Illustration from a program for the Purim Service in 1947 at Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Baltimore, MD.  

• JMM 1995.114.121 

Black and white photo of from the HIAS Purim party at Baltimore Hebrew University in 1992. The photo description identifies Rosalie Hollner playing the role of Queen Esther. 

• JMM 2006.013.1090 

Black and white photograph from a JCC Purim Carnival, date unknown.  

• JMM 1993.095.057 

Purim worksheet for making your own mask.  

• JMM 1993.095.053 

Words and music for songs for Purim, Seder, Chanukah.  

• JMM 1993.141.005 

Dance card from the “Seventh Grand Carnival and Bal-Masque” hosted by the Purim Association of Baltimore, Academy of Music on March 22, 1875.