This festival, occurring on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month,
_Adar_ (March), is to commemorate the deliverance of the Hebrews from
the wiles of Haman, through the God-aided means of Mordecai and Esther.
Although the Holy One threatens the Israelites, in order that they may
repent of their sins, He has also tempted them, in order to increase
their reward.
For instance, a father who loves his son, and desires him to improve his
conduct, must punish him for his misdeeds, but it is a punishment
induced by affection which he bestows.