The book of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillah, is a foundational text in the Hebrew Bible that tells the story of Esther, a young Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and is able to save the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them.

Filled with themes of courage, faith, and redemption, and provides a powerful lesson about the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and fighting for justice, the book is traditionally read aloud in synagogue on the holiday of Purim, which celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people from their enemies.