Esther

Esther, a Jewish orphan whose Hebrew name was Hadassah, is raised by her cousin Mordecai in the Persian capital of Susa after her parents died. Mordecai becomes like a father to her.

During a lavish banquet, King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) commands Queen Vashti to appear before his guests. When she refuses, the king deposes her, creating a vacancy for a new queen.

Esther is among the beautiful young virgins gathered throughout the empire as candidates to become the new queen. She undergoes twelve months of beauty treatments before meeting the king.

The king loves Esther more than all the other women. He sets the royal crown upon her head and makes her queen instead of Vashti. She does not reveal her Jewish identity, as Mordecai instructed.

Mordecai uncovers a plot by two royal officials to assassinate King Xerxes. He reports it through Esther, and the conspirators are executed. The event is recorded in the royal chronicles.

Haman, elevated to highest position under the king, demands that all bow to him. Mordecai refuses. Enraged, Haman plots to destroy not just Mordecai but all Jews throughout the empire.

Haman persuades the king to issue an irrevocable decree authorizing the destruction of all Jews on a specific day. Couriers carry the edict throughout the empire. Mordecai mourns in sackcloth.

Mordecai urges Esther to intercede with the king. When she hesitates, he speaks the famous words: 'Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' She agrees to approach the king unsummoned, risking death.

Esther approaches the king and finds favor. She invites him and Haman to two banquets. Meanwhile, Haman builds a gallows to hang Mordecai, but that night the king discovers Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty.

At the second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot against her people. The king is furious. Haman is hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordecai.

Though Persian law prevents revoking the first decree, the king issues a new edict allowing Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, the Jews triumph over their enemies throughout the empire.

Mordecai and Esther establish the feast of Purim to commemorate their deliverance. The name comes from 'pur' (lot), which Haman cast to determine the date of destruction. This feast is still celebrated by Jews today.