Bible Basic Esther Esther was the Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus (Esther 2:17). Esther was also known as Hadassah and is described as having been very beautiful. She is the heroine of the scroll of Esther, famous for endangering her life and using her royal status to save the Jewish people from Haman’s decree of annihilation. She was also one of the seven Jewish prophetesses. Read More
Post Psalm 22: King David’s Response to Antisemitism Kalman was a dear friend of mine. Though I treasured his friendship, he was operating on an entirely different plane of existence. For example, one day we were walking down… Read More
Post The Fast of Esther Jews around the world fast from sunrise to sunset on the 13th of Adar. This fast day, called the Fast of Esther, is held just before the holiday of Purim…. Read More
Post The “Most Significant Discovery of the 20th Century” In 1946, a Bedouin shepherd fell into a cave in Qumran and discovered a number of papyrus scrolls in pottery jars that he took back to his family. The shepherd… Read More
Post Follow Along in Hebrew to the Scroll of Esther Follow along in the text as you listen to Cantor Siegel chant The Scroll of Esther in Hebrew as it is read in synagogues throughout the world! … Read More
Post The Scroll of Esther: The Hidden Name of God The Megillah Reading Divided into ten chapters, the story recorded in the Megillah of Esther is the basis of the Jewish festival of Purim. The story is read aloud and… Read More
Post The Kingdom of Persia – The Book of Esther This map highlights Achashveirosh’s vast empire as described in the Book of Esther 1:1-2…. Read More
Post Tevet: A Month of Reflection, Remembrance, and Resilience The month of Tevet is rich with historical and religious significance. The tenth month in the Hebrew calendar counting from Nisan, Tevet‘s name, like the names of the other Hebrew… Read More
Post Naso – When God ‘shines His face’ towards us In this week’s Torah portion, we find the priestly blessing, the three verses that God commanded the Kohanim…. Read More
Post Your Invincible Summer Within: A Purim Message of Hope Purim serves as a powerful reminder that joy is not confined to moments of happiness alone; it is also crucial during difficult times…. Read More