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.

As ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia continue, a group of Jewish soldiers took a moment from the frontlines to celebrate Purim with the Jewish community.

French Jews will celebrate the festivities of Purim. Fasting, prayers, readings, meals, and costumes—these two days allow practitioners to commemorate a special time in the Jewish calendar.

Purim traditions include reading the Megillah, exchanging food gifts, giving to the needy, and dressing in costumes.

Recounted in the Book of Esther, the spring holiday of Purim is traditionally celebrated with feasting, gift-giving and charity.