a.++Introduction+and+Purim+Story

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 * And Esther sent word to Mordechai: "Go and assemble the Jews of Shushan and fast on my behalf. Do not eat or drink for three days. I and my maidens will fast too. Then I shall go to the king, though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. ~ Esther 4:15-16**=====

The story of //Purim// is found int he biblical book, //M'gillat Ester// ("The Scroll of Esther"). Set in ancient Persia, in the capital city of Shushan, the story of //Purim// focuses the plot of the King Achaverosh's advisor, Haman, to destroy the Jews.

The heroine of the story is Queen Esther. When the Jews were under threat of death, Mordechai (Esther's uncle) convinced Esther that she needed to reveal her Jewish identity to the king and petition the king for the safety of the Jews. Due to the bravery of Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai, the Jewish people were saved.

Today, //Purim// is one of the most festive holidays of the Jewish calendar. The //m'gillah// (scroll) is read aloud, Haman's name is drowned out each time with noisemakers, and many adults and children are dressed in costumes and masks. Festives meals are enjoyed with family and friends in the late afternoon of //Purim//.