Megillat Esther — The book of the exile

Published on February 12, 2013

Purim is an extraordinary festival in the Jewish calendar. It can be distinguished from all the other festivals by the character that it was granted in later generations, but mainly by its most primary source - Megillat Esther itself.

A Thought for Purim

By Rabbi John Rosove
Published on March 5, 2012

Pages Reveal a Whole New Esther

By Gaby Wenig
Published on March 4, 2004

As far as narrative goes, Megillat Esther is one of the most exciting parts of the Tanach. It is rich in religious significance and considered a seminal text on the miracle of Jewish survival, the story of Esther, the orphan girl who is chosen in a nationwide beauty contest to become the queen and ends up saving the Jewish people from the evil machinations of Haman the Wicked, has all the elements of a good potboiler. Played out under the specter of Armageddon for the Jewish people are great and lavish displays of wealth, a mighty king who is duped by his nefarious adviser, scheming chamberlains, a harem full of nubile virgins, power plays among the king's underlings and enough surprising plot twists to keep the pages -- or the scroll itself -- turning.