The Purim colors I chose depict the joy and happiness of this festival. 

 

My Mandala shows the symbols of zeal and warmth for the Torah, and the Mitzvot that defines us.

 

We start at the center, with the Megillah Scroll of Esther, which recounts the miracle of the Jewish people’s triumph over the evil Haman. When his name is said during the reading, everyone twirls graggers and stomp their feet to drown out his name. 

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Observe the Jewish Star represented as a Hamantaschen with different fruit fillings in each of the six points. These three - cornered cookies are traditional for eating at this holiday.  We also share them with friends, as Mishloach Manot gifts.

 

The half-shekels represent the Mitzvot of charity.  In the time of the Holy Temple, in the month of Adar, these coins were contributed by each Jew as tzedakah. The crowns, masks, and triangle hat represent the characters of the story, which we masquerade as during the retelling, at the festivities.