Many Jewish families helped settle, diverse communities in the desolate, desert terrain of the Wild West. Although Sweet Tamales for Purim is a work of fiction, it is inspired by a true event.
In 1886, the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Society of Tucson planned a Purim Ball for the entire community.
Barbara tells the story from the perspective of a young girl, who along with her new friend, Luis plan to create a Purim festival for their town.
Their plans for the celebration were well underway until the family goat, Kitzel, ate all of the traditional holiday pastries, Hamantashen.
Fortunately, they find another way to celebrate Purim and the family is able to share their cultural traditions with their new neighbors.
When Barbara Bietz isn't reading, she is probably typing away at her desk, surrounded by her two naughty (but nice) dogs. Barbara is often inspired by her favorite books and sometimes enjoys playing guitar, but, she says, not very well.