Purim

Purim (Hebrew: פּוּרִים, "Lots") is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Jewish people being saved from extermination in ancient Persia. The story of Purim is recorded in the biblical Book of Esther (Megillat Esther in Hebrew). According to the narrative, Haman, an advisor to King Ahasuerus, planned to exterminate all of the Jews in the empire. However, Mordechai and his cousin Esther, who had become the queen of Persia, successfully convinced the king to reverse the decree and the Jews were saved. Purim is celebrated by giving mutual gifts and charity, sending food portions to friends (Mishloach Manot in Hebrew), and holding a festive meal (Seudat Purim in Hebrew). Other customs include listening to the reading of the Book of Esther in the synagogue and using noisemakers to drown out the name of Haman. In Persian, Purim is known as Eid-e Farhat (عيد فرحت), which means "the holiday of joy." In Yiddish, it is called Purim or Purimfest.