Guide to the Purim Holiday. Scroll of Esther

In the early spring of the Jewish people are celebrating a happy holiday of Purim. Stories of this festival is dedicated to the book of the Tanakh, which is called the Megillah ("Esther"). In the days of the Persian king Ahasuerus Minister aman planned to destroy all the Jews of the Persian Empire. Casting lots (hence the name of the holiday, "Purim" in Akkadian - the lot), he appointed date of the destruction of the Jews thirteenth day of the month Adar. Due diligence wife of the king, Jewish Esther and her cousin Mordechai aman was hanged. At the same time his order was not canceled, but the Jews have the right to defend themselves and kill their enemies, 13 Adar.

The guide on Purim we consider several issues. The data on the Megillat Esther, her features, her relationship with the other books of the Tanakh, and events. Particular attention is given to the subject of the historicity of its operating entities and the background of the events described. The reader is provided commentary on Megillat Esther and the traditional account of the history of Purim. The book talked about the month of Adar, when Purim is celebrated, and its features and set out some ideas and lessons of Purim, relevant and important for our generation. In addition, there are laws and customs of the month of Adar and Purim.