PURIM (A Joyous Jewish Holiday)-from the 5th Megillat Scroll of Esther(from the Hebrew Biblical Book of Ester(Esther)

Purim (Hebrew: ???????? (help·info) Pûrîm "lots", from the word pur,[2]related to Akkadian puru) is a Jewish holidaythat commemorates the deliverance of the Jewishpeople in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman, a story recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther (Megillat Esther). Purim is celebrated annually according to the Hebrew calendaron the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar(Adar II in leap years), the day following the victory of the Jews over their enemies. Purim begins at sundown. In cities that were protected by a surrounding wall at the time of Joshua, such as Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month;[3]Everywhere else, Purim is on the 14th, while the 15th is known as Shushan Purim. Purim is characterized by public recitation of the Scroll of Esther (keriat ha-megillah), additions to the prayers and the grace after meals (al hannisim), giving mutual gifts of food and drink (mishloach manot), giving charity to the poor (mattanot la-evyonim), and a celebratory meal (se'udat Purim);[4]other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration. According to the Book of Ester(Esther), Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerusplanned to kill the Jews, but his plans were foiled by Mordekhai and Queen Ester(Esther). The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing.