From the book From Time to Time: Journeys in the Jewish Calendar
Hamantaschen are triangular pastrist of cookie dough, open at the top and filled with jam, poppy seeds, or another sweet filling eaten on Purim.
Hamantaschen are Ashkenazic treats for Purim and are traditionally filled with poppy seeds.
Many people have heard that hamantaschen are named for and shaped for "Haman's purse" or "Haman's ear" [or "Haman's hat"], but the real origin of the name of this cookie stems from the fact that in Yiddish, haman means "the poppy."
Reasons for Hamantaschen to beat Latkes:
- The triangle is the most stable shape.
- It aspires higher, with a form that symbolizes progress.
- The triangle is reminiscent of the saying... "The world stands on three things: Torah, worship, and acts of kindness" (Mishnah Avot 1:2) (which we talk about in Temple Beth-El's b'nai mitzvah service!)
- The Hebrew name for Hamantaschen is Oznei Haman, or "Haman's ears", and the ear reminds us of the call, "Hear, O Israel" (Deuteronomy 6:4) (or page 34 in our prayer book!)