Falling face-down on the ground, with hands and feet outstretched, was a common gesture of honor and respect in the Bible. Why is prostration only performed today on the High Holidays?
Prof. Rabbi
Marty Lockshin
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Is it Ahasuerus, Mordechai, or the horse?
Dr.
Shani Tzoref
,
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The manner in which Haman’s execution was depicted had real world consequences.
Dr.
Abraham J. Berkovitz
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A political strategy and a religious wakeup call to Jews in the Diaspora.
Rachel Friedman
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Personal agency and consent—granted or withheld—pervade the book of Esther, and are inextricably related to pre-existing power structures such as gender and social status.
Dr.
Jason Gaines
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The book of Esther is a study in antisemitism. It is the only biblical book that portrays antisemitism, and itself has been the subject of criticism with antisemitic overtones.
Prof. Rabbi
Marty Lockshin
,
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The reason for Mordecai’s defiance is not explained in the book of Esther. The midrash, the targum, and the Greek versions of Esther fill in the gaps.
Prof. Rabbi
Rachel Adelman
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A close literary reading reveals the seams of two independent stories: the Harem Intrigue (Esther) and the Court Intrigue (Mordechai) and how they were connected to the festival of Purim.[1]
Prof.
Sara Japhet
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Dr. Rabbi
Zev Farber
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