 | The characters of the Purim story come alive in this brief rendition of the miraculous tale. See G-d's delivering hand veiled behind a fascinating story of palace intrigue...
73 Comments Posted
Thank you for this informative explanation of such a wonderful story.
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thanks for writing it in such a clear & interesting manner!
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Vashti was not executed nor was she ordered to be. Check your Sefer Esther. And anyway: is that a resonable punishment for a woman refusing to obey the orders of a man? Is this the message you truly want to pass on to your daughters? Hitler's henchman had this Refusal to Dance = Execution thinking in the death camps of Europe. They would order the young and pretty Jewish women - stripped of their clothing and dignity - to dance before them... at gunpoint. If a woman refused, she would be shot. Ahashuerus was not cruel; he just had bad advice. Shame on you, too.
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Though it’s not stated explicitly in the Book of Esther that Vashti was executed – it only says, “let a royal edict go forth from before him . . . that Vashti shall not come before King Ahasuerus, and let the king give her royal position to her peer who is better than she” – her beheading is part of our oral tradition. See Rashi’s commentary on Esther 1:19.
Now, whether or not it was a reasonable punishment is irrelevant—Jewish literature does not look kindly at King Ahasuerus and his capricious nature. Nevertheless it should be noted that Vashti was a vile person who took great delight in stripping naked and tormenting innocent Jewish girls. As such, she received her just punishment, and we have no need to mourn the death of this wicked individual.
Interestingly, the Maharal (Rabbi Judah Loewy, 16th century philosopher and mystic) says that Vashti was not asked to appear naked. When the king asked that she appear “wearing the royal crown,” his intention was that the crown should be the only piece of royal garb that she should wear. He didn’t want the crowd to be bedazzled by full royal regalia—but to appreciate her innate beauty.
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If they killed Hamans sons during the battle on Adar 13, then why did they need to hang them again? Is this even alluding to a future event?
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Though I’ve not seen this mentioned anywhere, I assume that the reason why Esther requested the public hanging of the corpses of Haman’s ten sons was to instill fear in the hearts of the Shushanite anti-Semites—to effectively put an end to any thoughts they may have still entertained about annihilating the Jews.
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So.............the Jews weren't slain, but instead went out on a killing rampage themselves! Which relates to "it is better to give than to receive"? What a sad story, I don't think that killing deserves to be celebrated.
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Wonderfully explained & perfect to read the children!
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I am a Catholic man of 72 years and have enjoyed learning about my Jewish brothers.
I heard much about Esther as a child but little about Mordechai and I appreciate this information.
It gives me renewed faith in my fellow man to see that one such as Esther was courageous to the peril of her own life to save her people. That to me is the history of the Jews.
I have tried to learn as much as I can about the Jews of old and find so much commendable about faithfulness, heroism, and dogged determination about a people almost as old as time itself and how they perservered over the centuries.
I pray that the God of us all will bless us and keep us as he fortified Esther in her time of great trial.
Thank you again.
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As far as the anonimous from Rockville ,M.D. who thinks the story of Purim is a sad story I disagree. It is a wonderful story it desrve to be told ,and it complies with the universal principle of self preservation. I admire the jewish people. I admire the continous presence of G-d in everything a jew says, thinks or does. I was not born a jew but i constantly think about G-d in all my acts. Shalom!!!
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Rockville. Md is right ....Killing is nothing to celebrate...we as Jews celebrate life ....And that is what we celebrate on Purim....the right to live and let live....but it is unfortunate that there is then as now people that think they and they alone have the right to live and dictate who has the right to live and the right to kill those who disagree with their way of life.
My Grandmother Sadie alwys used to say...
" The more things change ; the more they stay the same..."
Humans never seem to learn the first time around.
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So very true, "Anonymous," violence beget by violence is nothing more than violence itself. Violence is hate. Whether pre-emptive or retaliatory, murder is wrong not only per human moral code, but in the eyes of G-d. To celebrate one hand dealing death to another is to support hate and violate basic tenets of our faith.
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A wonderful story of strength, heroism and faith.
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Most historians say that, if the story of Purim is true, it would have taken place no later than the fifth century B.C.E.
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I am a Christian who is very interested in learning about more Judaism. Chabad.org is such a great place to learn and grow. I thank G-d and the dedicated people here for the time, energy, talent & love that has gone into this wonderful site!
A joyous Purium to everyone!
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I am glad to see that some agree with the fact that violence in retaliation to violence is not something that should really be celebrated. I had a hard time explaining the story to my son without including anything about intentions to kill or killing.
I do however believe in taking a strong stance and that means fighting back against those who promise annihilation to us Jews (or to any peaceful loving people) This message is still being repeated today and there are those who would still like to see the Jews exterminated. History does indeed repeat itself.
It is tragically and mournfully sad that we don't learn and that we are still living in a world of cultural self-centeredeness. How can we be so intelligent yet so blind a species?
Finally, I do celebrate Purim and even if I don't agree with what goes on in the world, I am proud that once in a while we get to fight back and save ourselfs, let us never forget the Holocaust.
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Purim doesn’t celebrate the killing of our enemies, but our deliverance from a decree ordering our genocide. Hard to imagine how one can have an issue with celebrating such a joyous turn of events.
As for the “killing rampage”—it wasn’t “retaliatory.” It was self-defense. Haman’s decree ordering the extermination of all the Jews on the thirteenth of Adar was never rescinded. The Jews were merely given the right to defend themselves against their attackers; and – as per the Talmudic dictum “if one arises to kill you, arise early and kill him first” – that is precisely what they did.
And to Aaron David of Davenport: Let G-d speak for Himself... He has. It’s called the Torah.
I’ll conclude with another saying from our Sages: “One who has mercy on the cruel, is ultimately being cruel to the merciful ones.”
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To Naftali Silberberg:
I've always had mixed feelings about the Purim story. I tend to doubt that it actually occured. Many consider it a piece of fiction originating during the Hellenistic period. If it is fiction, then it could have been given a happier ending, not involving the deaths of hundreds or thousands. Then, again, if it is a true story, it is somewhat tragic. First of all there is the tragedy that the king's genocidal decree could not be revoked. Instead the Jews were given "the right to defend themselves against their attackers."
This is puzzling. Does this mean that otherwise they would not have attempted to defend themselves? What made their defense more successful with royal sanction than it would have been otherwise? Were they given weapons or police or military assistance? The Megilla doesn't say (but I'm sure Rabbinic commentators must have added their ideas. They probably also give their opinions as to why Esther was permitted to to marry the non-Jewish king, etc)
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1) I would advise you to read a wonderful article by Tzvi Freeman: Is there an independent source that can verify the events recounted in the Torah? The ideas expressed by Rabbi Freeman are all the more applicable to the Purim story, which was recorded immediately following the events. The holiday of Purim is discussed at length in the Mishnah – many of whose authoring sages lived less than two centuries following the Purim story.
2) While we don’t celebrate when people die, I think that dubbing the deaths of murderous anti-Semites as “tragic” is a misuse of the word. Is it also “tragic” when a serial murderer is executed? It’s not a reason for rejoicing. But it isn’t a tragedy. Justice has been served.
3) The Jews would undoubtedly have mobilized in self-defense no matter whether the king allowed them do to so or not. But had the king not issued his new decree sanctioning such mobilization, the anti-Semites would have found a population that was more than willing to facilitate their evil intentions, and the local authorities would also have joined in on the action—and certainly would not have impeded the implementation of their nefarious designs. (Recent history demonstrates this point. Though it was the Germans who wanted to implement the Final Solution, in most instances they found that the natives of the countries they occupied gleefully participated in the genocide.) Once it became known that the queen was Jewish, and Mordechai was elevated to the position of prime minister, things changed. In the words of the Megillah: “No man stood in the [Jews’] way, for fear of them had fallen upon all the nations. And all the ministers of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king's functionaries honored the Jews, for fear of Mordechai had fallen upon them. For Mordechai was prominent in the king's palace and his fame was spreading throughout all the provinces, for Mordechai was growing in power” (Book of Esther 9:2-4).
4) As for why Esther was permitted to marry Ahasuerus, see Why did Esther marry a non-Jewish king?
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We live in a very different age from that of those who penned the Torah (it IS a human account). G-d did not "speak," He instead allowed humans to speak for Him. The Torah is that record of thought and edict.
Where violence may have once been an accepted element of society, it is not now. Some of us do wish to continue our cultural, social, emotional and intellectual growth. Seeking to understand and accepting one another and considering options other than violent acts to deal with conflict situations is part of this growth. It is common sense to consider other beings as our equals. We all rise from the very same root, we simply learn in different languages. To step up and learn how to communicate with each other, on an individual basis so that ideas can be more easily understood and then appreciated/ respected, is to grow closer to the Divine. THIS is G-d's true edict.
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Where does it say that "Vashti was a vile person who took great delight in stripping naked and tormenting innocent Jewish girls."? WHERE???? PLEASE, even in your response you continue to perpetuate Rabbinic midrashim as facts! Then why not consider other, more modern, midrash (interpretations) - as fact - that Vashti was good, and that her disobedience luckily paved the way for Esther's disobedience: Yes, Esther also "disobeyed" the king, and appeared before him without invitation! It is your OPINION that "she [Vashti] received her just punishment, and we have no need to mourn the death of this wicked individual." It is only right and just to separate your own personal opinion from the pshat text, give credit where credit is due, and don't conflate your opinions with Rashi's. Mixing in midrash without source citations mixes up your readers; very few American Jews can keep the story straight as it is. Give credit where credit is due; even to your own opinions. Thank you.
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The source for the assertion that Vashti was a wicked person who would “bring Jewish girls and strip them naked and force them to work on Shabbat” is in the Talmud, tractat Megillah 12b.
Why should we “consider” more modern interpretations when there is a 1500 year old tradition on the matter? Should we choose speculation over historical record?
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And yet you ask your readers to consider - nay, accept - your own MODERN interpretation "when [in your own words] there is a 1500 year old tradition on the matter? Should we choose speculation over historical record? " You ask me to choose your modern speculation, I simply ask you to consider mine.
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very well put i love the way you didn't change it around!!! God Bless You
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I realize that this is a reply to an older post, and that possibly you will not see this reply, however I hope this post will be helpful to those dealing with the issues mentioned in your post.
You said, "it <the Torah> IS a human account". This site and several others (like simpletoremeber. com) have articles addressing this issue from a Jewish POV. See especially R'Dr. Dovid Gottlieb's lectures on the subject.
"Where violence may have once been an accepted element of society, it is not now.". That is quite far from the truth. A mere 60 years ago 6 million Jews were murdered because they were seen as "inferior" by the leader of one of the most "sophisticated" nations of the time; as we speak, people are being murdered in Darfur! As we walk around the streets, acts of violence are constantly committed by even the most "modern" people out there.
G' Bless!
PS: There's a Chabad House on 2233 E. 58th, if you're interested in finding out more abt. Torah :)
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Since Purim is soon returning and others have returned to this year-old thread, I will too, by addressing a point in Naftali Silberberg's response to my question of how the official permission for the Jews to defend themselves changed matters.
You quote the Megilla as saying, "No man stood in the [Jews'] way, for fear of them had fallen upon all..." If this was so, why was it necessary to fight and kill any enemies, and how did they even know who was against them, if the Persians, etc. failed to attack, out of fear?
Happy Purim, and don't take mythology and folk tales too seriously.
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That verse is simply saying that no one stood in the Jews' way in their attempts to defend themselves -- no government sanctioned troops and no independent miltias.
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Excellent! Thank you so much.
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I love this story! Happy Purim!
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Every time I read it I cry from joy. Thanks for the story it is really nice of you to post it.
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The Book of Esther says Vashti was banished from the presence of the King, not killed.
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Esther was a great woman. But I hope Ms. Levi doesn't go in her footsteps.
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have a happy,happy,happy,happy purim
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Vashti was banished-not executed- and she was truly a courageous woman for refusing to allow herself to be paraded around on display in front of drunken, ogling men. There are two heroines in this story- Vashti and Esther!
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Rabbi Naftali Silberberg's vivid description of the celebration of Purim is so clear. Now I fully understand why Jews attach so much importance to this festival. I've read the Biblical account in the Book of Esther and I have never even once failed to marvel at the way the Jew's were delivered from the jaws of death because Esther was willing to die for her people. Interestingly, G-d is not mention in the Book of Esther and my country India is mentioned there.
Thanks Rabbi Naftali Silberberg for making the Biblical account so live!
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The 6th century BC started the first day of 600 BC and ended the last day of 501 BC.
...It all began in Ancient Persia in the 4th century BCE....The Holy Temple that had stood in Jerusalem was destroyed more than 50 years earlier,...
I think the 4th century is incorrect.
The temple was destroyed in 587 BCE or BC.. correct. So I question the reference to 4th century BCE.
However, it is a great story!
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What an awesome celebration as we remember how the Great and Mighty God came alive for His people as related in the book of Esther. May we look to God and anticipate His presence in the lives of our families even today! Psalms 67:1,2 "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us, that His ways may be known on earth, and His salvation among all the nations."
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sadly americans today has forgotten the reality of the ever living God who has blessed her in so many ways in the past.
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I believe I have read somewhere that ESTHER actually was not beautiful....
am I completely wrong,or is true that this is written somewhere in the Talmud?
could you give me your informed opinion on this topic
MANY THANKS
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sad that we celebrate victories of the deaths of others....
let us remember that we (all humans) are Gods people..
in the eyes of God we are all equal and to be considered as having the spark of God within us
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Thank you for refreshing so many people's memories.
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Thank you for such a clear rendering of this story. I'm in a docent program at our state art museum. We have a painting depicting the feast. I understand now more about Purim and the deep significance of Esther to the Jewish people. This is very helpful!
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The Talmud (Megillah 13a) does indeed cite the tradition of Rabbi Joshua ben Korcha that she was greenish (and ugly) like a myrtle, but her unique grace and charm cased her to appear to be beautiful.
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Thank you for all the information on your holiday's. As a Christian I love the Jewish Nation, The Lord called me to pray for your people years ago. You are chosen, The Lion of Judah, Seed of Abraham. Like Esther, I have fasted and prayed for your safety, especially at; such a time as this. Because of Esther's courage and God's Divine Intervention the Jewish Nation was saved. May God bless you! Shalom
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Regardless of whether or not Hadassah was beautiful or ugly, her story shines to this day! Although I believe she was beautiful in spirit and in truth.
I am curious though why I haven't seen any comment about the apparent pagan origins of her name and do find it rather strange how Hashem has seen fit to include Easter/Esther in His Book. (I've read it means "star" but that's kochav, isn't it?).
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Apparently, like many Jews now living in the Diaspora (galut), Jews in the Babylonian, then Persian, exile had both Hebrew and non-Jewish names. The name Esther probably is related to the name of the Mesopotamian godess Ishtar, or Astarte, or Ashtarot. Likewise, Mordechai is probably from the Mesopotamian god Marduk.
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Yes, it is indeed interesting to note that both Mordecai and Esther are names which sound strikingly Persian. I find this to be particularly appropriate in the book of Esther where the hand of G-d is covered and it all seems to take place as a natural course of events. Even the Jewish identities of the heroes are hidden behind pagan names!
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hmmm your illustration of the great persian king Ahaserus or Xerxes is not correct , persians and iranians (regardless of the current situation) have been always helpful to the jewish community and another ancient example is the what the they did regarding Babel's jews
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I just think people should know what and when to celebrate the festivals. When I was growing up in church, our church celebrated the 7 Festivals and Yom Koper( Sorry about any bad spelling.), I think althrough their not Christmas that it should be acknowlwadged and celebrated. If only by dinner and prayer at home.
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Under the section entitled "The Batltle" paragraph 1 states that Haman's sons were killed on the 13th of Adar in battle. Paragraph 2 states that Esther hung Haman's sons on the 14th of Adar. Does anyone know which is correct?
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Both are correct. They were killed on the 13th and thir corpses were hung -- to further instill fear in the heart's of the local Jew-haters -- on the 14th.
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It seems that Purim celebrates a series of events that involve mass death, hangings, treachery, and revenge. Jews have often been the victims of these events. Why would Jews sully their relationship with G-d by celebrating base conduct? I realize Purim has been around a lot longer than I have, so educate me. Thanks.
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See my response above to Anonymous from Rockville, MD.
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The Almighty One True G-d showed His All-Powerful Love for His People by thwarting Evil. I am a Gentile but pray all Jews have a Joyous Festival.
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Purim does not celebrate the violence. It celebrates G-d's faithfulness to His people in delivering them from genocide.
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Hello Friend,
If only we were given permission to rebuild the Temple.
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If another temple were to be built it would really be the fourth temple, as Herod's renovations and additions to the second temple were so extensive as to justify its being called the third temple. But, Rabbi, do you really want to build another temple? Do you really want to turn back the clock on Judaism to a time when priests and Levites in outlandish costumes sang psalms and hymns to the accompaniment of large orchestras, and worshipped God by butchering and roasting numerous animals and birds daily? And are you prepared to do what would be necessary to build a temple where it once stood --- that is, destroy the houses of worship other religions?
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Is Purim ..not...a celebration of G-d's people, their faithfulness and his great and wonderous mercy and miracles?
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All the troubles with Iran (AKA Persia), and all the enemies surrounding our Jewish friends. I live in the US and have been watching with a close eye on the world news for the last 5+ years. One expert even said the doomsday clock should be moved up to 2 minutes to midnight. I wish the blessings of Parim happens again for the people of Israel. I have a feeling that
G-d will provide the next temple. However, there needs to be one. Most of all - I believe every human in the world - no matter what coutry, religion or color....needs to pray for PEACE for all humanity.
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I cannot wait for the building of the Temple..It will be the beginning of G-d with us..the sooner .. the better
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You assume that the Temple will be exactly as it was. The rebuilding of the Temple is to be in the context of the coming of Moshiach and we will be given the revelationof what worship will entail then. We cannot assume it will be as it was in ancient times.
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It is good to remember that those who devise wicked plots against G-d's anointed sometimes hang in the very noose they have erected as an execution chamber for the innocent. I never tire of reading this story of God's protection and deliverance in response to His people's prayer and fasting, Queen Esther's courage, and the wisdom and leadership of Mordecai. Thanks be to G-d that evil is punished and righteousness triumphs!
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On the seventh day of this party, Ahasuerus' heart "was merry with wine," and he commanded his wife Vashti to appear before all the partying men—he wanted to show them all her exquisite beauty. Vashti balked at this request, and at the advice of his advisor Memuchan, Ahasuerus ordered Vashti's execution.
I frequently buy jewelry and special clothes for my wife and love to see her looking good. Apparently there is a whale of a difference between my approach and what Ahasuerus had in mind and why he listened to Memuchan about anything. I get the part about being drunk, but if Vashti was that outstanding, why kill her? Some Jewish history/lore needs some explaining and this is one of those items. Any offers?
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Ahasuerus was afraid of insubordination. Memuchan goaded him on, telling him that if he lets Vashti get away with not listening to the king, women all over the kingdom would no longer submit to their husbands as they had previously.
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It is true today that the determination that we jews have will allow us to succeed through the matters we face in life just as we are determined to conquer those who oppose our belief those who are conquered will remember esther!!! Shalom l'chaim shana tov
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I am a gentile with little Jewish training who has learned something about what is accepted as Purim. My Jewish friends and associates shun any discussion of Purim almost as if they are ashamed of it or ashamed of me knowing what they understand. Like any story, Purim must be slanted and misunderstood on many levels. Knowing a mass of people seem to have a "you wouldn't understand" attitude because "you are not of our faith" leads to hard feelings. Would life in general be better among Jews and gentiles if we could drop some of the "them and us" business and simply communicate openly? I want to learn more about Jews, Jewish cultures and Jewish lore; but I continue to be made to feel I am an outsider. There may be a useful purpose for keeping me at a distance, especially regarding Purim celebrations; but I don't get it. And, usually when someone tries to keep something from me, there is a fear I will behave in an unacceptable way when I learn the truth.
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Thank you, Rabbi Goldberg for directing me to this wonderful story.
Happy Purim!
Aaron
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I can't understand how a Jew could be ashamed about the story of Purim. It is a testament to the persistence of the Jewish people against those who wish to destroy them.
As a Jew I communicate openly with my non-Jewish friends about my religion, and my people. I am not orthodox, and I am not very religious, however Jewish history retold through holidays, stories, and the torah, only gives me strength - not shame.
I dont know your friends, or why they are ashamed about Purim of all holidays, but I recommend you either find them to understand why, or learn about Judaism from other sources.
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I love purim. It is an amazing holiday. I love to dress up and be a character. It is such an honor to be a Jew.
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Thank you for this information. It made complete, my knowledge of Purim. Shalom.
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