Following the destruction of the first Temple, Jewish morale was at an all time low. The conquered nation was dispersed in foreign lands and assimilation has set in. Esther, a cousin of Mordechai the Jew won a beauty contest she was forced to enter by the government officials and became the queen to King Achasverus, ruler of the Persian Empire. Some time later, Haman, second in command to the King, requested the King's permission to annihilate all the Jews in his kingdom. He was enraged that Mordechai refused to honour him as a god and not bow down to him. Haman's plot reached the ears of Mordechai who reported it to Queen Esther. When Esther heard of this plan, she fasted for three days and ordered Mordechai and all the Jews of Persia to do the same. After the three day fast, she went to seek an audience the King. With that act, Esther took her life into her own hands for it was the law of the land that no one was to appear before the King except when summoned by him. In the end, Queen Esther and Mordechai succeeded in defeating wicked Haman's plan, with the result that the Jews were saved and Haman and his wicked sons were hanged.

The Lesson of Purim

A tyrant arises to destroy the Jewish people. The situation seems hopeless, but the Jews are saved. No matter how many Hamans arise in each generation, G-d will always remember the Jewish people and come to their aid in their time of need if they turn to Him honestly and sincerely.

The fast of Esther. This is the day preceding Purim. It commemorates the fasting period Esther and the Jews imposed upon themselves.

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