The story of Purim is more than a fairytale. It is a clash of empires where the Jews play a pivotal role. (42 min.)
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The holiday of Purim is celebrated worldwide by all Jewish communities, and with greater emotional involvement by the communities of Iran and Iraq. The story of Purim is an account of the historical events related in the Scroll of Esther. Biblical scholars have always had a problem with this story and other biblical narratives which are beautifully written. It is as if the perfection of the literary work leads them to doubt its historical accuracy.
Topics covered in this lecture:
Megillot-Megillah
The Persian Empire
Ahashverosh is Xerxes
The Story of Esther
The Rise of Haman
Jews in the Persian Empire
The Threat to the Jews
Greco-Persian wars
Aftermath of the Wars
Problem of the Megillah
Classic Anti-Jewish Accusation
Character of Ahashverosh
The Megillah in historical context