Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education

Educational Resources

Videographies

SERC's Most Popular Purim Videos

V-061 GUIGNOL IN THE LAND OF ESTHER - The puppets of Lyons re-enact the traditional Purim story of Queen Esther. We are guided through Shushan by Guignol, King Ahasuereus' right-hand puppet and our narrator. Color; 28 min.; Age: 6 to Adult; 1983.

V-130 FESTIVAL OF PURIM IN ISRAEL, THE - This festive film captures the message of Purim by showing celebrations of Purim that occur in Israel. With cartoons, puppet shows, and live footage, the film succeeds in conveying the joy of the holiday. Color; 16 min.; Age: 9 to Adult; 1978.

V-131 HARA'ASHAN - THE GRAGGER - This is a Hebrew animated film without captions. It is the cheerful story of a boy who finds a magic "gragger", the noisemaker used in the synagogue on Purim when the Megillah is read. The story is on a primary-elementary level and utilizes a limited Hebrew vocabulary. A teacher's guide is available. Hebrew. Color; 8 min.; Age: 6 to 13; 1986.

 

V-448 ANIMATED BOOK OF ESTHER, THE: IN THE DAYS OF AHASHUERUS - This video presents the story of Purim using computer-animated images accompanied by narration from the text of the Megillah expressing the traditional approach. Animated. Color; 25 min., Age: 8 to Adult; 1991.

V-623 & V-849   PEOPLE OF THE BOOK: ESTHER - The Essence of Jewish Existence in the Diaspora. A young Jewess, catapulted from anonymity to become the Queen of Persia, uses her power and ingenuity to rescue her people from genocide. The video examines Jewish culture and history from the perspective of central figures in Jewish life. Color; 23 min.; Age: 12-Adult; 1993.

 

V-698H PURIM V'TU BISHEVAT (PARPAR NECHMAD) - From the Israeli, "Parpar Nechmad" television series. Ofra, Shlomit, Uzi and Saba Nachman put on a Purim play. The children all sing and dance together to celebrate Purim. Color; 27 min.; Age: 3 to 8; 1992. Hebrew.

 

V-992 ALEF-BET BLAST-OFF: THE WHOLE MEGILLAH - Puppets and guest stars join "Mitzvah Mouse" in this video series whose aim is to demonstrate how traditional Jewish values apply to modern life. In this episode, David and Rachel just aren't in the mood to celebrate Purim this year . . . that is, until they find themselves in ancient Persia, face-to-face with the evil Haman. Mitzvah Mouse and brave Queen Esther save the day. Color; 30 min.; Age: 6-11; 1998.

 

V-995 QUEEN ESTHER : FAR AWAY AND LONG AGO - Part of A&E's "Mysteries of the Bible" series. Using classical artwork, commentary by modern Biblical Scholars, views of archeological sites, and references to the Book of Esther and its significance. Narrated by Richard Kiley and Jean Simmons. COLOR; 50 MIN.; AGE:12-ADULT; 1995.