The story of Purim
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The story of Purim is recounted in The Megillah, the Scroll on which the Book of Esther is written. It tells the story of Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus, Esther's uncle (or cousin) Mordechai, and the king's chief advisor Haman.
 
Though Synagogues are mostly solemn places, the atmosphere changes as children dress up as their favorite Purim characters and rattle graggers (noisemakers) at every mention of Haman's name. The Megillah is read twice on the holiday - once at night and once during the day.

The Story of Purim

In the third year of his reign, the King of Persia, Ahashverosh (also known as Ahasuerus and Ahashuerus) decided to have a feast. It was on the seventh day of these festivities that the King summoned his queen, Vashti, to appear before him and demonstrate her beauty for the King's officials. Vashti refused to appear. Incensed, the King asked his officers for a suitable punishment. One advisor, Memuchan (some think he was actually Haman), argued that Vashti should be killed for her disobedience. The King took his advice and killed Vashti.
 
As time passed, the King desired a new queen. To find a suitable wife, the king held a contest among all the eligible girls in the kingdom. One of those was Esther, a Jewish girl. Esther had been raised by her relative Mordechai after her parents' death. Mordechai instructed Esther not to divulge her Jewishness when she went to meet the king. Each day Mordechai walked by the court and inquired as to her well being. Esther impressed all who met her, including the King, and she was elevated to queen.
 
Years later, the King elevated Haman, a descendant of Amelak (the traditional enemy of the Jews), to the position of chief advisor. Haman was a wicked and vain man who expected everyone to bow down to him. Mordechai refused to bow because Jews are to bow only before God. Not content to just punish Mordechai, Haman wanted to destroy the entire Jewish people in Persia. He cast lots or purim to determine the day of annihilation.
 
Haman went to the King, slandered the Jews, and convinced the King to go along with his plans. Upon learning of the plot, Mordechai tore his clothes, wore sackcloth and ashes, and walked through the city crying loudly. When Esther heard of Mordechai's display she dispatched a messenger to discover what was troubling her relative. Mordechai recounted the details of the evil decree and instructed Esther to intercede on the Jews behalf. Esther agreed to appear before the King and instructed Mordechai to organize a three-day fast for all the Jews on her behalf.
 
After completing the three-day fast, Esther entered the king's inner court dressed in her royal garb. The King inquired as to Esther's desires, and she replied that she wished to invite the King and Haman to a banquet. After the feast, Esther asked the King and Haman to return for another banquet the next night. Haman left the banquet consumed with self-importance and pride, but these feelings turned to anger when he saw Mordechai. Haman went home, and his wife, Zeresh, advised him to construct a gallows. Haman joyously acted upon the suggestion.
 
That night, the King discovered that Mordechai had never been rewarded for saving him from the assassination plot of two servants. When Haman appeared in the court, the King decided that his trusted servant should determine Mordechai's compensation. Haman, intending to obtain the King's permission to hang Mordechai, unwittingly answered the King's questions. The King asked Haman, "What should be done for the man the King wishes to reward?" Haman, believing that Ahashverosh intended to reward him, replied that the honoree should be dressed in royal clothing, ride upon a royal horse, and be led through the city streets by an official proclaiming, "This is what is done to the man the King wishes to honor."
 
Ahashverosh agreed and instructed Haman to carry it out for Mordechai. Disappointed, Haman followed the King's orders. Haman's daughter, mistakenly believing that her father was being led by Mordechai, dumped garbage on her father, the horses' leader.
 
Haman's downfall continued at Esther's second banquet. Esther revealed Haman's villainous plot and the fact that she was Jewish. She asked the King to "grant me my soul and my people." Ahashverosh consumed with anger ordered that Haman be hung on the gallows intended for Mordechai. The King elevated Mordechai to a position of great influence and allowed him to issue edicts permitting the Jews to fight their enemies. On the 13th and 14th of Adar, the Jews won tremendous victories and were saved from the threat of total annihilation.
 
Ever since, Jews have observed Purim. The day before Purim is a day of fasting, in memory of Esther's fast. The fast is then followed by two days of dancing, merrymaking, feasting, and gladness.

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For additional reading

• Purim: Acts of kindness on purpose
• MyJewishLearning.com: Purim at home
• MyJewishLearning.com: Purim in the community
• MyJewishLearning.com: Purim overview and history
• Sweeten up Purim with a baking bonanza
• Purim family activities
• The story of Purim