The Scroll of Esther, part of the Hebrew Bible, recounts the dramatic deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire. This narrative details a plot to annihilate the Jewish population and the subsequent actions of Esther, a Jewish queen, and her cousin Mordecai, which foiled this genocidal plan.
This historical account serves as the foundation for the joyous festival of Purim. Commemorating survival and resilience in the face of existential threat, the festivals observance is deeply rooted in this text. Its enduring significance lies in its message of courage, the reversal of fortune, and the importance of community. The reading of the scroll is a central element of Purim celebrations, ensuring the storys continued transmission across generations.
