...the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire where a plot had been formed to destroy them...Rembrandt painted a series of paintings depicting Esther. Below are what I think it is a complete list:
According to the Book of Esther, Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerus...planned to kill all the Jews in the empire, but his plans were foiled by Mordecai and his cousin and adopted daughter Esther who had risen to become Queen of Persia. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing [more here].
Haman and Ahasuerus at the banquet with Esther
Haman Prepares to Honour Mordecai
Haman Begging Esther for Mercy
Esther is Introduced to Ahasuerus
Esther before Ahasuerus
Esther with the Decree of Destruction
Esther Preparing to Intercede with Assuerus
More paintings of Esther by various artists can be found: here, here, here and here.
A special holiday cake called hamentashen is served for this holiday. I mention my first encounter with hamentashen in my post Kidist's Best of New York City (Best Hotel Bakery Item: The Hamentashen at the Plaza Hotel (apricot filling), which I discuss more here.
I'm not sure how the greeting goes, but I will just say: Happy Purim!
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Posted By: Kidist P. Asrat
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