Which religious figure does Purim remember? The answer is Queen Esther, a Jewish woman who played a pivotal role in saving her people from annihilation. Purim, a Jewish festival celebrated with joy and revelry, commemorates the bravery and wisdom of Queen Esther, who risked her own life to save the Jewish people from the Persian king, Ahasuerus, and his advisor, Haman.
Purim is rooted in the biblical Book of Esther, which recounts the story of Esther’s rise to power and her subsequent efforts to save her people. The festival is celebrated on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar, and it is marked by the reading of the Megillah, a scroll that contains the story of Esther. The name “Purim” itself is derived from the Persian word “Pur,” which means “lottery.” According to the story, Haman cast lots to determine the date on which the Jews would be annihilated, and the date was set for the 13th of Adar.
Queen Esther, born Hadassah, was raised by her cousin Mordecai after her parents died. When the king, Ahasuerus, needed a new queen, Mordecai’s relative, Esther, was chosen. Esther was instructed to hide her Jewish identity and enter the king’s harem. Despite her initial reluctance, Esther agreed to the plan, with the support of Mordecai.
Once in the harem, Esther became the queen, and Mordecai learned of the plot to annihilate the Jewish people. He informed Esther of the impending danger, and she devised a plan to save her people. With the help of her advisor, Mordecai, Esther approached the king and revealed her Jewish identity. She convinced the king to spare her people by exposing Haman’s plot.
The king ordered Haman to be executed, and the Jews were allowed to defend themselves against their enemies. The story of Queen Esther’s bravery and the subsequent salvation of the Jewish people is celebrated during Purim, a festival that highlights the importance of courage, wisdom, and the power of a single individual to make a difference.
Purim is also a time for joy and celebration, as it is believed that the Jewish people were saved through divine intervention. The festival is marked by various customs, including the wearing of costumes, sending food gifts to friends and neighbors, and participating in festive meals known as “seders.” The Megillah reading is a central part of the celebration, and it is customary to eat, drink, and be merry in honor of Queen Esther’s bravery.
In conclusion, Purim remembers Queen Esther, a Jewish woman who rose to power and saved her people from annihilation. The festival of Purim is a testament to the power of courage, wisdom, and the belief in divine intervention. Through the story of Queen Esther, Purim teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, there is always hope and the potential for redemption.
