02/03/2026
Tonight begins the Purim holiday in Israel and continues until Tuesday. The story behind it took place in the Persian Empire of the 4th century BCE. The King removed his wife, Vashti, from her position as queen because of her failure to comply with his commands. So, the king arranged a beauty pageant to find a new queen.
Esther, a Jewish woman, found favor in the king's eyes and became the new queen, though she refused to reveal her nationality. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews and Esther's cousin, refused to bow to Haman, who was the Prime minister of the empire. Haman convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of the Jews. His plot was "TO DESTROY, KILL, and ANNIHILATE" all the Jews, young and old, infants and women. Because of the situation, Queen Esther asked the Jews in Susa to fast for three days and nights before she approached the king. This act of fasting signifies sacrifice, communal support, and a plea for Divine intervention.
This holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people and the bravery of Queen Esther in ancient Persia (Iran), as recorded in the Book of Esther. It serves as a reminder that even in hidden moments, miracles can happen.
May this holiday bring light, protection, and joy to Israel.🇮🇱
