Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 13th day of the month of Adar that commemorates how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from being killed, as told in the Scroll of Esther. Purim marks when the evil minister Haman drew lots to determine a date to annihilate the Jews, but Queen Esther's bravery in standing up to King Ahasuerus led to Haman's downfall and the Jews being spared. During Purim, Jews celebrate with costume parties, eating hamentaschen pastries, and hearing public readings of the Scroll of Esther.