Esther’s plea, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), becomes a defining moment of courage. The king ultimately sides with his wife, orders Haman’s execution, and saves the Jewish people.
"It's the story of human ingenuity, human courage, and human bravery," Rabbi Elaine Glickman of the Women’s Rabbinic Network tells USA Today.
Notably, the Book of Esther is the only book in The Bible that does not directly mention God by name.
“There was not splitting of the sea or water turning into blood,” Rabbi Yehuda Lipskier, executive director of Chabad, tells NY1. “This was a natural event with political maneuvering.”
Customs and Traditions
The Fast of Esther, known as Taʿanit Esther, precedes Purim, echoing Ester’s own fast. During Purim, there are four key traditions, called mitzvot (religious commandments), to observe. One, the public reading of the Book of Esther, or the Megillah, usually in a synagogue, is central to the holiday’s celebrations. The reading is traditionally performed twice, on both days of the festivities, and it is a boisterous affair, with loud cheers and jeers shouted whenever Haman’s name is mentioned.
Other mitzvot include donating at least two gifts of charity, such as food, money or clothing, to those in need, sharing food with friends and enjoying a celebratory meal that features wine and meat.
Dressing in costumes, especially for children, is also part of the Purim custom, as are parades, plays and carnivals.
“The notion that everything is upside-down is very much a part of the tradition. Masquerading is something that’s been associated with Purim for hundreds of years,” Judaic studies professor Jonathan Krasner tells Time.