Editing Purim (section)

==== Origin and Historical Background ====
The background of Purim takes place during the Babylonian exile after the destruction of the First Temple in the year 3338. Near the end of this exile in 3392, the Jews were under the rule of King Achashverosh of Persia. After Queen Vashti was killed, Achashverosh took Queen Esther, who was Jewish, as his wife. This event later proved to be the remedy that would save the Jews from a terrible decree years later.

Years later, in 3404, Haman, Achashverosh's minister, cast lots ("pur") to determine the date for destroying all Jews in the Persian Empire. The lot fell on the 13th of Adar. Haman's anger stemmed from Mordechai's refusal to bow to him, which according to our Sages would have constituted idol worship.

The miracle of salvation occurred through the prayers and fasts of the Jewish people, along with Esther's intervention with the king. This led to the reversal of the decree - instead of Mordechai and his people being killed, Haman and his ten sons were hanged. On the day of the planned genocide, the Jews defended themselves and defeated their enemies on the 13th of Adar, with an additional day of victory in Shushan on the 14th.