Esther
Esther was a Jewish girl who had been taken captive. After her parents
died, she was adopted a family member, Mordecai, who raised her as his
own daughter.
King Xerxes was looking for a new queen. Many young women were
considered, but after a year of beauty treatments, Esther was chosen to
be the new queen.
Haman was the most powerful man in the kingdom besides the king. He was
an evil man who hated the Jewish people and plotted to have them killed.
Mordecai persuaded Esther to go to the king and plead for the lives of
the Jewish people. She could be killed for going before him when she
hadn't been called. But she was brave and went to see the king. She
invited him and the evil man, Haman, to a banquet. During the meal, she
revealed the plot against the Jews and accused Haman. Haman was hanged
on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, and the Jews were allowed
to defend themselves. Mordecai was honored.
Since that time Jews have remembered Esther and celebrated the Feast of
Purim.