Purim
Can Measure for Measure help explain the biblical book?
The Tractate of Drunkards.
Esther’s central question is whether the Jewish people will continue in exile.
Crucifying Haman in effigy.
The Scroll of Vincent.
What rhymes with Ahasuerus?
“A kind of religious ecstasy.”
The Benjaminite rehabilitation.
Starting in the 16th century, this Ahasueros has personified the legendary figure of the “Wandering Jew,” symbol of the accursed Jewish people. How come?
Not High Holy Day services.
The political vision and theological insight of Esther speak compellingly to the dilemmas and opportunities of the present age.
The book of Esther and the festival of Purim mark the beginnings of the exilic world, in which the battle to remain Jewish never really goes away.
It was early 1987, and Jewish emigration was at a virtual standstill. What better way than a drama of victory over ancient enemies to sustain our own hope of escape?
