The Feast of Purim is a Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. This celebration is rooted in the historical events that took place in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), as detailed in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Account

The account of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim, the Writings, in the Hebrew Bible. The narrative unfolds with King Ahasuerus hosting a grand banquet, during which Queen Vashti is deposed for her refusal to appear before the king and his guests. Subsequently, Esther, a Jewish maiden, is chosen as the new queen.

The central antagonist, Haman, an Agagite and high-ranking official in the king's court, harbors a deep-seated animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, who refuses to bow to him. In retaliation, Haman devises a scheme to destroy all the Jews in the empire, casting lots (purim) to determine the date of their annihilation. Esther 3:13 states, "Letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar."

Mordecai learns of the plot and urges Esther to intercede with the king. Despite the risk to her own life, Esther approaches the king and reveals her Jewish identity, pleading for her people. Esther 7:3 records her appeal: "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition and my people as my request."

The king, moved by Esther's plea, orders Haman to be executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Furthermore, a new decree is issued, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. Esther 8:11 states, "The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies."

Establishment of the Feast

Following their deliverance, Mordecai and Esther establish the Feast of Purim as an annual celebration. Esther 9:20-22 describes the institution of the feast: "Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies—the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote to them to observe these days as days of feasting and joy and of sending gifts to one another and to the poor."

The name "Purim" is derived from the casting of lots (purim) by Haman to determine the date of the Jews' destruction. The feast is characterized by joy, feasting, and the giving of gifts, reflecting the reversal of fortune experienced by the Jewish people.

Significance and Observance

Purim is a time of joyous celebration, marked by the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), festive meals, and the giving of mishloach manot (gifts of food) and matanot la'evyonim (gifts to the poor). The festival underscores themes of divine providence, the reversal of evil plots, and the survival of the Jewish people against overwhelming odds.

The Feast of Purim serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and protection over His people, even in times of great peril. It highlights the courage and faith of individuals like Esther and Mordecai, who played pivotal roles in the deliverance of their people.