Just as blooming flowers are a sign of spring, so hamantaschen emerging from the kitchen at Congregation Shaarie Torah are a sign of Purim’s approach in Portland.

The CST Sisterhood’s annual sale – and the corresponding volunteer effort to roll out, fill, knipp and bake more than 25,000 cookies – is now underway. This year, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on a box of Purim’s signature three-cornered treat, as the synagogue is offering in person sales from 1-3 pm Mondays through Wednesdays beginning Feb. 9 through the week before Purim.

“They’ll be fresh,” Charlotte Tevet, who helps coordinate the Sisterhood’s annual effort, said. “You can smell them being baked when you come, and if you came for one, maybe you’ll buy two.”

Dozen, that is. There are four flavors to choose from (traditional poppy seed moen, apricot, mixed dried fruit and CST’s own peanut butter and chocolate chip) and a volume discount ($6 off your third dozen) if you need extra enticement to stock up. Online ordering is still available and is encouraged for those looking to pick up six dozen or more to ensure availability.

The annual baking extravaganza has been a tradition at Shaarie Torah for at least three-quarters of a century and was featured in The Wall Street Journal in 2014. It is the Sisterhood’s biggest annual fundraiser and a huge volunteer effort; more than 100 volunteers turn raw ingredients into celebratory snacks every year and support more than just the Sisterhood.

“It also supports camaraderie,” Tevet said. “You can meet new friends and hopefully establish friendships for life.”

Pre-purchase hamantaschen for $20 a dozen ($54 for three dozen) online at cst-hamentashen.square.site and learn more about joining in on the baking (no prior experience required) at shaarietorah.org/purim.