Book Minute

Purim—a joyous holiday in the Jewish calendar, with the history of its commemoration recorded in the book of Esther, which is read aloud on the celebration of Purim. When a beautiful young girl named Esther finds favor with the king of Persia, she was chosen to be his queen. But he did not know she was a Jew. Influenced by his adviser, Haman, the king’s edict is: “Do with the Jews what you wish.” And Haman plots to destroy them.

Knowing only Esther can save her people, her guardian, Mordecai, poses a question—one that convinces a fearful Esther to use her position to petition the king on behalf of her people—“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” In the dramatic series of events that follows, the Jews are saved!

Engage with the Bible—in the record of its centuries-old celebrations!