HOLIDAY

Purim commemorates the downfall of Haman, ancient Persia’s wicked prime minister. As the story goes, Haman convinced King Ahasuerus to set a date for killing all the Jews under Persian rule, but Ahasuerus’ Jewish wife, Esther, successfully spoke on their behalf. Purim commemorates the day originally set for the massacre. To celebrate the holiday, the story from the Book of Esther is read at services in the synagogue, and whenever Haman is mentioned, noisemakers are used to drown out his name. Children dress up in costumes and act out the story during Purim carnivals at synagogues and Jewish centers. At home, families enjoy festive meals.