LAZ wrote:Literally, hamantashen mean's "Haman's pockets."
Tasch is German for "pocket" or "purse," which gives us the original name, mohntaschen, or "pockets filled with poppy seeds." As these sweets came to be associated with Purim, mohntaschen evolved into hamantashen, which made special sense as a reference to the coat pockets in which Haman was supposed to have carried the lots, or purim, he cast to determine which day the Jews of his kingdom would die. (The idea that hamantashen are meant to resemble Haman's "three-cornered hat" is another popular misconception.)
JoelF wrote:I'm no talmudic scholar, and I've never read the whole megillah*, but I was brought up to believe that hamantashen referred to his hat which was triangular.
Wikipedia and About.com agree with me, AMF International agrees with LAZ, and other describe them as Haman's "hats", "ears" or "pockets".
JoelF wrote:Wikipedia and About.com agree with me, AMF International agrees with LAZ, and other describe them as Haman's "hats", "ears" or "pockets".
I still don't know what is authoratative, but this sure sounds good, from Forward.comTasch is German for "pocket" or "purse," which gives us the original name, mohntaschen, or "pockets filled with poppy seeds." As these sweets came to be associated with Purim, mohntaschen evolved into hamantashen, which made special sense as a reference to the coat pockets in which Haman was supposed to have carried the lots, or purim, he cast to determine which day the Jews of his kingdom would die. (The idea that hamantashen are meant to resemble Haman's "three-cornered hat" is another popular misconception.)
George R wrote:On two recent trips to Kaufman's on Dempster they were out of poppy seed hamentaschen. They did have other flavors.
On the second visit the woman behind the counter said poppy seed was only available by special order. Sounds like baloney to me. Haven't had time to call or drop by again to check.
Anyone know about this?
ndgbucktown wrote:pretty disappointing
Pie Lady wrote:Assuming you're always in the mood for pastry, Schlegel's in Lincolnwood (Touhy & Crawford) have, big buttery yummy ones.
LAZ wrote:Purim starts tomorrow night. So far we've gotten one report on 2008 hamantashen.
G Wiv wrote:Hamantaschen from Kaufman's. Slightly bready, a little dry, but still tasty.
LAZ wrote: . . . and the "dreaded" cookie-style from Kaufman's