Get your party on; Purim is almost here! The holiday is one of the most joyous and fun on the Jewish calendar, complete with everything from feasts to costumes to wine, all in honor of Queen Esther and her loyal cousin Mordecai rescuing the Jews from slaughter in the Persian Empire.

Often affectionately referred to as "Jewish Mardi Gras," Purim is more than just a festive occasion filled with costumes, laughter, and delicious pastries. It carries profound lessons about resilience,

On Purim, Jews celebrate a long-ago victory over hatred, but it's worth praying too for the frustration of some modern antisemitic plotters.