in simple language
Long ago, a powerful ruler named King Achashverosh lived in a large and magnificent kingdom. His kingdom was called Persia and was located where Iran is today. He ruled over many regions and people groups and had everything a king could want - wealth, power, and a beautiful, luxurious palace. But one day he decided that his queen Vashti was no longer good enough for him because she did not do what he asked of her. So she was sent away, and the king ordered a search for a new queen. Can you imagine how terrible that was for Vashti?
Messengers from the king roamed all over the land looking for the most beautiful and wise women to present to the king. One of them was Esther, a young Jewish girl who was raised by her cousin Mordechai after she lost her parents. Esther was not only wise and humble, but also kind and beautiful. Since kings used to be able to decide everything, Esther did not even have to be asked and was brought to the palace. When the king saw her, he was immediately taken with her - in fact, he fell in love with Esther at first sight. He chose her as the new queen - but no one at the royal court knew that Esther was Jewish. Mordechai had advised her to keep it to herself for the time being. Even then, you sometimes had to be careful.
Now Esther lived in the royal palace, while Mordechai had to stay outside the palace walls. One day, however, Mordechai got into trouble. There was a man named Haman, an influential advisor to the king who thought he was very important. Haman demanded that everyone bow to him, even though he was not the king. But Mordechai refused and said: "I only bow to God." Haman was so angry that he decided not only to punish Mordechai, but to destroy all Jews in the kingdom.
So Haman went to the king and said to him: "There is a people in your kingdom who do not follow your laws. They are different and a danger to your rule. I suggest that we get rid of them." The king, who did not fully understand what was going on and had no idea of Haman's plan of extermination, agreed and left the matter to Haman. Soon after, Haman issued a decree in the name of King Achashverosh: on a certain day, all Jews were to be killed.
When Mordechai heard of this terrible plan, he was horrified and very afraid. He and many other Jews put on mourning clothes and called out loudly for help in the squares of the cities. Finally, he sent a message to Esther: "Dear cousin, you are the only one who can still save us. You must speak to the king and ask him to spare our people!" But Esther was also very afraid. It was dangerous to visit the king uninvited and to bother him with requests - anyone who dared to do so could pay with their life - even the queen herself.
After much deliberation, Esther plucked up courage. She asked Mordechai and the Jewish people to fast and pray for her for three days in order to ask for the blessing of the Eternal for her plan. Then she made herself beautiful, put on her finest clothes and went to the king. When she entered the throne room, she held her breath - would Achashverosh get angry? But the king knew how wise and thoughtful Esther was. He smiled and held out his scepter to her - that was the sign that she could speak. "What can I do for you, my queen?" he asked.
And this was Esther's clever plan: she invited the king to a banquet together with Haman. Twice in fact, and at the second banquet she finally revealed her real wish. "My king," she said, "there is someone who wants to destroy me and my people." The king was quite astonished and very horrified. As a king, he should have known about such a monstrosity. He asked her, "Who dares to do such a thing?" Then Esther pointed to Haman. "He is the man who hatched this evil plan."
King Achashverosh was furious. He immediately had Haman arrested and the plan against the Jews was stopped. Mordechai was appointed royal advisor in Haman's place and the Jewish people were able to live in peace again. Everyone celebrated wildly for three days and were finally able to sleep peacefully again. Thus Esther had saved the people with her skill and wisdom without lifting a single weapon.
To commemorate this miraculous rescue, the festival of Purim is celebrated every year. The story of Esther is told, food and gifts are shared, and celebrations are filled with joy. Together we act out this wild and exciting story and dress up. And Esther? To this day, she remains a role model of courage, wisdom, and the belief that there is hope even in dark times.
And that was the story of Esther, fashion show, Achashverosh, and Haman.
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