Purim

Joyous Jewish holiday commemorating the deliverance of the Jews in the 5th century BCE by Mordecai and Esther from a plot to have them massacred. The plot was the work of Haman, the chief minister of the Persian King Ahasuerus. The story is recorded in the Old Testament book of Esther. Its name derives from the lots cast to determine in what month the killing would take place. It is celebrated on 14 Adar (about March 1). The holiday was well established by the 2nd century CE. The day preceding Purim, Ta'anit Esther (Fast of Esther), is a day of fasting. On Purim the 'Scroll of Esther' is read in the synagogue. A festive and carnival atmosphere includes the customs of dressing up, exchanging gifts, and making donations to the poor. Three-cornered pastries called hamantaschen ("Haman's ears") are baked and Purim plays, which became popular in the 17th century, are performed on this holiday.