The Story

The Scroll of Esther

A miracle hidden in coincidences

Megillat Esther is the scroll read twice on Purim. It tells how a chain of coincidences in the palace of the Persian king became the rescue of an entire people.

1. The feast in ShushanAhasuerus, king of Persia, rules 127 provinces from India to Cush and holds a lavish, days-long feast in the capital, Shushan.
2. VashtiQueen Vashti refuses to appear at the feast at the king's command and loses her throne. The search for a new queen begins.
3. Esther — queenOf all the maidens the king chooses Esther (Hadassah), the ward of her kinsman Mordechai. On his advice she conceals that she is Jewish.
4. MordechaiMordechai uncovers a plot by two courtiers against the king. His deed is written in the chronicle — and forgotten for a time.
5. Haman and the lotHaman rises to power and demands homage. Mordechai will not bow — and Haman casts the lot (pur), setting the Jews' destruction for the 13th of Adar.
6. “Who knows…”Mordechai begs Esther to intercede: “who knows whether you came to the throne for just such an hour.” After a three-day fast she goes to the king uninvited.
7. The fall of HamanAt her banquet Esther reveals Haman's plot. The king is enraged — and Haman is hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordechai.
8. Rescue and PurimThe Jews are allowed to defend themselves, and they prevail. The 14th of Adar becomes a day of joy, feasting, gifts and mutual support — the festival of Purim.