What is Purim?

Purim (which means “lots” in Persian) is the Jewish holiday that celebrates how the Jewish people were saved from annihilation in ancient Persia as told in the Biblical book of Esther. 

In the story, Haman, the evil advisor to King Ahasuerus of Persia, plots to kill all the Jews. However, through the courageous actions of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, Haman’s evil plan is derailed and the Jewish people are spared.