The Story of Purim: A Celebration of Courage, Survival, and Faith

Purim 2025 begins on Thursday night, March 13 and continues until Shabbat, March 14 (extending through Sunday in Jerusalem).

Purim, one of the most joyous and festive holidays in the Jewish calendar, commemorates a remarkable tale of survival, courage, and divine intervention. The story of Purim, recounted in the biblical Book of Esther, takes place in ancient Persia and is a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people.

The Setting: Ancient Persia

The story begins in the majestic Persian Empire, under the rule of King Achashverosh. The king, in the midst of a lavish 180-day feast, seeks to showcase his immense wealth and power. In a moment of pride, he orders his queen, Vashti, to appear before him and display her beauty to the guests. When Vashti refuses, she is deposed, and a search for a new queen begins.

Esther: The Unlikely Heroine

Among the women brought before the king is Esther, a young Jewish woman, who, by the will of God, is chosen as queen. Esther, however, keeps her Jewish identity a secret, following the advice of her older cousin and guardian, Mordechai.

As queen, Esther enjoys favor in the palace, but a sinister plot is brewing in the shadows, orchestrated by the king’s prime minister, Haman.

Haman’s Wicked Plan

Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian court, is filled with arrogance and pride. When Mordechai refuses to bow to him, Haman is consumed with rage and vows to destroy not only Mordechai but all Jews in the empire. He casts lots (called “Purim,” meaning “lot”) to determine the day of the Jews’ destruction, and it is decreed that on the 13th of Adar, the Jews will be annihilated.

Haman’s plot is approved by King Achashverosh, who does not know that his queen, Esther, is herself Jewish. As news of the impending destruction spreads, the Jewish people are struck with fear, and Mordechai urges Esther to take action.

Esther’s Courageous Intervention

Faced with the grave danger to her people, Esther musters all her courage and approaches the king, an act that could have led to her death if the king had not extended his sceptre to her. She invites King Achashverosh and Haman to a banquet, where, in a bold move, she reveals her Jewish identity and exposes Haman’s wicked plot. She requests that the king spare her life and the lives of her people.

The Turning of the Tide

King Achashverosh is enraged by Haman’s treachery and orders his immediate execution. Haman’s downfall is swift, and the Jews are granted the right to defend themselves against their enemies. On the 13th of Adar, instead of being destroyed, the Jews successfully defend themselves, and the day is transformed into one of victory, celebration, and feasting.

The Feast of Purim

In gratitude for their deliverance, the Jewish people establish Purim as a holiday to be celebrated annually. The holiday is marked by reading the Book of Esther (known as the Megillah), giving gifts of food (mishloach manot), giving charity to the poor (matanot la’evyonim), and enjoying festive meals. It is a day of revelry and joy, often with costumes and masks to symbolize the hidden nature of the events in the story.

Purim teaches the values of bravery, faith in God, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger. It reminds us that even when God’s presence is not immediately visible, He is at work behind the scenes, guiding events toward redemption.

Key Themes of Purim

• Divine Providence: The story of Purim highlights how Hashem’s presence is hidden in the events of history. Although the name of Hashem is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, His influence is evident in the twists and turns of the story.

• Courage and Leadership: Esther’s courage to speak out and take action, even when her life is at risk, is a central lesson of the Purim story. Her willingness to stand up for her people demonstrates the power of individual action in the face of injustice.

• Community and Charity: Purim is also a time for giving and sharing. The tradition of sending food gifts and giving to the less fortunate reinforces the importance of community solidarity and generosity.

• Reversal of Fortune: The Book of Esther is a story of reversals—Haman, who sought to destroy the Jews, is defeated, while Mordechai, once a mere servant, is elevated to a position of honor. This theme of transformation serves as a reminder that things are not always as they seem and that hope and redemption are always possible.

Celebrating Purim: A Time of Joy and Reflection

Purim is a holiday that brings people together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair. Whether through costumes, feasting, or giving to those in need, Purim serves as a reminder of the strength of the Jewish people and the importance of standing together in times of adversity.

This joyous celebration calls on all of us to reflect on the power of courage, faith, and unity, and to carry forward the lessons of Esther and Mordechai into our own lives.

Chag Purim Sameach! (Happy Purim!)