Since colonial times, the Book of Esther has proved a powerful metaphor in American politics
Changing my name changed my life for the better
The Hebrew version we read doesn’t mention God, and avoids theology. But the ancient Greek versions of the story took a very different approach.
In Tractate Megillah, the Talmud sends us a very personal note on faith
From Queen Elizabeth to Abraham Lincoln, the story of Purim has shaped our most contentious debates
Emily Barton’s ‘richly imagined’ new novel ‘The Book of Esther’ projects fantasies of Jewish power onto a Tolkien-like land
A childhood costume that once concealed what I wanted to hide now reveals what I want to hold tight
Examining the ethics of the Purim story
Costumes, revelry, and satire weren’t always synonymous with the holiday
After years of my daughter begrudgingly agreeing to tulle and tiaras, a revolt
Amid political upheaval, an embattled girl fled entirely alone—the lessons of Purim’s heroine propelling her to freedom
I’ve spent years trying to find a costume, from Kurt Cobain to my own cat, that reflects a hidden side of my personality
A banner year for the names Leah, Chaya, and Chana as well
The problem with leaving the Book of Esther’s namesake out of the revelry
In recent novels, sermons, and Bible-study guides, evangelicals and mainline Protestants alike find inspiration in the biblical tale
The Book of Esther, which chronicles the story of Purim, has special resonance for Jewish communities thriving in Diaspora
Unable to restore a shrine with a prominent Star of David in Iran, a U.S. organization and an Iranian-American architect are reviving the site online
Purim calls for costumes, and we’re fine with seeing little girls dressed up as boys. But a boy dressed as a girl makes us uncomfortable, thanks to stubborn ideas about gender roles. It shouldn’t.