Megillah

The Megillah (Hebrew: מגילה, "scroll") is a term that refers to a written document, often used in a ceremonial or religious context. In Judaism, the most prominent use of the term is in reference to the Megillat Esther (Hebrew: מגילת אסתר), the Scroll of Esther, which is read aloud twice during the Jewish holiday of Purim. The Megillah recounts the story of the Jewish people being saved from extermination in the ancient Persian Empire. The term can also refer to other sacred texts, such as the Megillat Ruth (Hebrew: מגילת רות), the Scroll of Ruth, read during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. In broader usage, Megillah can refer to any lengthy, involved story or narrative. In Yiddish, the term megillah (מעגילה) is used similarly, often with a connotation of a long-winded tale. In Persian, the term is translated as مگله (Megalleh), and in Arabic, it is مجل (Majall).