#hillel smith
Happy Purim! I’m proud to debut the latest entry in my annual tradition of Purim package design, creating elaborate boxes to fulfill the ritual of mishloach manot, giving gifts of food to friends. (Find the last few years’ here, here,here,here,here,here, and here.) This year’s boxes were inspired by the mashrabiya and jaali, latticework traditions of the world “from India to Ethiopia” — regions ruled by Achashverosh (Esther 1:1). Each little box is filled with fun treats, as well as a little LED balloon light. Close the box and place the light in the peak, and the words “Happy Purim” shine on the tabletop.
Colloquially called “harem windows,” these screens provided privacy and shade to those inside. In the Purim story, Esther lived hidden in the king’s palace. But when the time was right, at the darkest time, she revealed herself and saved her people. She shined. “The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor,” (Esther 8:16), and so may we all.
I made two designs while prototyping this box, and being unable to pick which I liked better, I made both! Which do you prefer?
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