The Jews assembled themselves in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to strike out against those who were seeking their harm. No one was able to stand before them, for dread of them fell on all the peoples.

For this reason these days are known as <i>Purimi>, after the name of <i>puri>.

Therefore, because of the account found in this letter and what they had faced in this regard and what had happened to them, the Jews established as binding on themselves, their descendants, and all who joined their company that they should observe these two days without fail, just as written and at the appropriate time on an annual basis.

<p class="bodytext">When it became the turn of Esther daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai (who had raised her as if she were his own daughter<n id="1" />) to go to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai the king&#8217;s eunuch, who was overseer of the women, had recommended. Yet Esther met with the approval of all who saw her.

&#8220;Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Don&#8217;t eat and don&#8217;t drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I<n id="1" /> will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law.<n id="2" /> If I perish, I perish!&#8221;p>