Purim 2015 begins in the evening of
Wednesday, March 4
and ends in the evening of
Thursday, March 5
The story of the joyous holiday of Purim might appear somber at first glance: It tells of the near-destruction of the Jewish people as decreed by Haman, an advisor to the Persian King Ahashuerus.

However, Ahashuerus' newly crowned queen, Esther--who replaced Vashti when she was thrown out of the kingdom--is secretly a Jew.

Due to her courage and her eventual role in saving the Jews, the story of Purim is known as "Megillat Esther," or the Scroll of Esther.