Purim is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, an Achaemenid Persian Empire official who was planning to kill all the Jews in the empire, as recounted in the Book of Esther. Haman was the royal vizier to King Ahasuerus. His plans were foiled by Mordecai and Esther, his cousin and adopted daughter who had become Queen of Persia. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing. According to the Scroll of Esther, “they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.” Purim is celebrated among Jews by: • Exchanging gifts of food and drink known as mishloach manot • Donating charity to the poor known as mattanot la-evyonim • Eating a celebratory meal known as a se’udat Purim • Public recitation of the Scroll of Esther, known as kriat ha-megillah, usually in synagogue • Reciting additions to the daily prayers and the grace after meals, known as Al HaNissim. Source: Duckduckgo API