Purim falls unusually late this March because it is a leap year on the Hebrew calendar, meaning there is an extra month. Jews celebrate the ancient holiday by reading the Book of Esther, which tells the story of the Jewish victory over an enemy who called for their elimination more than 2,000 years ago.

Observers customarily give to the needy, send gifts to friends and neighbors, and cook a festive meal. They also dress up for what is supposed to be a joyous, fun holiday. This year, though, some Jewish Americans are rethinking how they should observe Purim in light of the Israel-Gaza war, with some offering alternative endings to the text’s last full chapter that details the ancient Israelites killing some 75,000 of their enemies.