Esther's heroism and sacrifice are celebrated in the holiday of Purim, as she is taken by force into the Oriental harem of King Ahasuerus. Despite the king's disdain for Jews, Esther's union with him is perplexing and painful. She faces a halachicly impossible predicament when her husband, Mordechai, urges her to plead for the lives of her fellow Jews. The rabbis struggle to find an 'out' for Esther, but she eventually agrees to approach the king and orchestrates two parties to trap her archenemy, Haman. Esther's plan is to make the king jealous and execute both Haman and herself, but she remains queen and will produce a child who will renew permission for the Jews to rebuild the Temple.