The answer is: Thirteenth day of Adar

Esther 3:13

In the book of Esther, the thirteenth day of Adar looms large as a moment of dread and turmoil, marking the planned extermination of the Jewish people within the Persian Empire. It’s fascinating to note that this date, mid-March in the Gregorian calendar, sheds light on ancient customs and timekeeping, as the Hebrew calendar is lunar-based, generating a cycle of festivals and observances rooted deep in Jewish tradition.

What adds layers to this story is its connection to the Jewish festival of Purim, celebrated on the 14th and 15th of Adar—the very days that followed the intended destruction. This celebration commemorates the Jews’ deliverance from that dire decree through Esther's courage and Mordecai's wisdom. It’s remarkable that out of assured doom sprang a festival marked by feasting, joy, and community; it's as if the narrative twists from despair to trust, illustrating the age-old theme: from peril can rise profound hope.

Did you know? The word "Purim" itself means “lots,” referring to the casting of lots that Haman used to determine the day to annihilate the Jews. Interestingly, in the modern age, Purim is often one laced with costumes and merrymaking, a vibrant reminder that even tough times can transform into jubilant celebrations of defeat over oppression. It's a sparkling beacon that celebrates not just survival but resistance and resilience throughout Jewish history.