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Esther comes from the Hebrew word hester (הסתר), which means ‘hidden.’ Megilla (מגילה), ‘scroll,’ is related to the word ligalot (לגלות), which means ‘to reveal.’ The challenge of reading Megillat Esther is to reveal the hidden messages veiled within the exciting plot. At first glance, the story seems to be one of royal intrigue, power, wealth and politics. Superficially, the events of the Megilla seem to be the result of the whims of an intoxicated king. The name of God does not appear even once in the entire story, making Megillat Esther the only book of the Tanakh that does not mention His holy name. The reader’s job, therefore, is to uncover Hashem’s hidden hand guiding what appears to be a string of coincidences.
Megillat Esther contains an account of events that took place when the Jewish people were living in Persia. Following the destruction of the first Beit Hamikdash at the hands of the Babylonians, the Jews were exiled to Babylon. Not long afterwards, the Babylonians were defeated by Cyrus, king of Persia, and the Jewish residents of Babylon found themselves under Persian rule. The story of Esther takes place against this backdrop of Persian exile.
Cyrus the Great was the first Persian king to control Babylon. In the first year of his reign he made a famous decree, granting permission for the Jews to return to Yerushalayim and rebuild their Temple (Ezra 1:1-3). Unfortunately, not many heeded the call. Though construction of the Beit Hamikdash begins soon after this first, small, wave of exiles return, it is quickly halted. It is not until the second year of King Darius’s reign that construction of the Temple resumes, and it is finally completed in Darius’s sixth year. Jewish tradition places King Ahasuerus between Cyrus and Darius. The Sages even suggest that Darius was the son of Ahasuerus and Esther. In their opinion, the story of Esther takes place after the Cyrus declaration, but before the reconstruction of the Beit Hamikdash and so the Jews of the story are the very ones who disregard the decree of Cyrus and choose to remain in exile rather than returning to Eretz Yisrael to participate in the reconstruction of the Temple and Yerushalayim.
According to the Sages (Megilla 11a), Ahasuerus halted the reconstruction of the Beit Hamikdash, and he throws a feast when he believes that the Jews have been forsaken and will never return to Yerushalayim. He deliberately offers Esther only “half the kingdom,” (Esther 5:3) refusing to restart the construction of the Beit Hamikdash. Mordechai, a former citizen of Yerushalayim living in Shushan, the capital of the Persian empire, is teaching about the Beit Hamikdash and putting aside money for its construction. At the same time, however, the Jews of the Persian Empire have weakened their connection to Eretz Yisrael. They could have immigrated to Israel years before during Cyrus’ rule, but instead opted to remain in exile. The opening of Megillat Esther even finds them at Ahasuerus’s feast where the Temple vessels are on display. It has been suggested that the events of the story, and the evil decree of Haman, were Divine retribution for forsaking the Land of Israel and the Beit Hamikdash.
The miracle of the story of Esther carries an important message to the people of that time, and for all ages. Living in exile, the Jews felt physically distanced from their land, and spiritually distanced from their God. They no longer deserved the open miracles they had experienced in the past in their homeland. Nevertheless, the story of Esther teaches that Hashem has not, and will not, abandon His people. Although He is hidden in exile, He is very much present, pulling the strings from behind the scenes. The God who created the world and who split the sea is the same God who deposed Vashti, chose Esther and hanged Haman.
In a subtle way, Megillat Esther reminds exiled Jews throughout the ages of some very fundamental ideas. First, they must never forsake Yerushalayim, but must remember her no matter where they find themselves. Second, even outside of Israel, where Hashem’s presence is less obvious, they must discover and reveal the hidden God, and must see Him in all aspects of day-to-day life, not just in open miracles. And finally, they must always remember that Hashem will never forsake His promise to return the children of Israel to the land of Israel.
I just received my copy of The Israel Bible and now see why Amazon Books is having a hard time keeping this majestic work in stock! Sorry to say my favorite Stone Edition Tanach may not be opened for a while. This is a MUST for every serious lover of the Word of God!
The Israel Bible is a treasure: impressive, with coherent, expressive and intelligible introductions, translations faithful to the Hebrew, important commentary linking the Bible to modern-day Israel, and substantial and purposeful supplementary material. An enjoyable Bible for the synagogue; a wonderful reference for school and home.
As a neighbor of Rabbi Tuly Weisz, I benefit from the tremendous passion and love that Rabbi Weisz and his family have for Medinat Israel. Now with The Israel Bible that Rabbi Weisz put together, everyone in the world can benefit as well from that passion. Thank you Rabbi Weisz for making the 70th anniversary of Medinat Israel so much more special. May we merit to see the full redemption in our days.
The Israel Bible makes us walking with the slaves in Egypt, with the prophets on the mountains of Israel and learning about the rebirth of the State of Israel… Studying and having input from many rabbis who have been studying before us, give us a rich and deeper understanding of the divine plan for humanity.
The prophets were God’s chosen and inspired scribes, therefore; it is natural to want to drink from the wells of Jacob. “The Israel Bible” releases refreshing comprehension about words in scripture passages, and their origins. The creation of this work is brilliant. It will educate the educators, as well as the ordinary truth seeker. I believe it will help liberate many from the shackles of inaccurate theological interpretation and prepare them to meet the challenges that this understanding brings to the world.
Christians as well as Jews will find much to learn from this excellent resource as they study G-d’s word. I am confident that this special edition of “The Israel Bible” published in honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary will deepen the readers’ spiritual relationship with G-d, strengthen their bonds with Israel – land and people – and deeply enrich their lives. Thank you Rabbi Tuly Weisz for this outstanding work! And thank you for your tender heart for G-d and outstretched arms lovingly welcoming Christians as well as Jews to share in the treasures of our biblical heritage.
“The Israel Bible is a scholarly and religiously meaningful resource for the 21st century student. Tuly Weisz, in his highly accessible and graphically compelling work, successfully highlights the centrality of the Land of Israel in the biblical narrative. He presents classical biblical commentary in a user-friendly manner. A great resource for seasoned scholars and novice students.”
“This beautiful Bible should join – if not replace – coffee table Bibles worldwide. It provides insights about the central theme of the Jewish Bible, that God designated the Land of Israel to the Jewish People, and introduces sources from the time of Joshua to the times of Benjamin Netanyahu.”
“My congratulations to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for producing the world’s first Hebrew Bible dedicated to the relationship between the Land and the People of Israel. As a Christian Zionist pastor for four decades, I have collected more than 30 versions of the Bible and seven complete sets of commentaries to augment my studies. After spending time studying The Israel Bible, I can say it gives much clarity to what the original Hebrew text was saying. As Hebrew scholars, the writers give clarity and revelation to the Scripture in ways I have not had access to otherwise. This Bible is easy to follow and very informative. It makes my studies more enjoyable while reading the text, footnotes and quotes from many wise people. It is a great study Bible for all serious students of the Word.”
“Thanks to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for reminding us that, at its core, the Hebrew bible is a description of a love story between a people and its land, the Jewish people and the land of Israel. From its earliest history, Eretz Yisrael has been central to Jewish living and Jewish destiny. The Jewish people dwelt in it, pined and yearned for it and, in our day, has miraculously merited to return to it. Featuring clear translations, introductions and incisive commentaries written by a team of impressive scholars, transliterations and maps, this volume will be indispensable for adherents of all religions who appreciate the absolute fundamental importance of Israel for the Jewish people and for the world.”
“The Israel Bible is a remarkable work that will deepen the reader’s love for God, Torah and the Land of Israel. It seamlessly weaves together all of Jewish history, ancient and modern. Rabbi Tuly Weisz has published a Bible that reinforces its central theme: the existence of the people of Israel living in the Land of Israel, according to the Torah of Israel.”
“The Israel Bible comes at a very significant crossroads that Israel and the world have encountered. There is an awakening among the Nations, even amongst those who view themselves as part of the lost Ten Tribes, to understand and return to their Hebrew roots, after the depths of the Hebrew Bible have been “hidden” for almost two millennia. The Israel Bible provides a dignified yet smooth reintroduction to the multi-dimensional and awe-inspiring world of the Tanakh for all those interested in delving deeper. The contemporary commentary that could only been written in our generation, at a time when prophesies are being fulfilled in rapid succession, shows how much the Tanakh is still the guiding authority of our lives, providing us with a regained and reinforced acknowledgment of the Almighty’s ever-present Hand upon His People – the People of Israel, our return to the Land of Israel and Israel’s call to the Nations. The thoughtful transliteration makes the transition to speaking the authentic Word so much easier. Like training wheels, it gives the reader a boost of confidence that also he or she can now speak the eternal language once uttered by prophets, kings and the Most High Himself when He communicated His Word from Sinai.”
“Ki Mi’Tzion Tetze Torah, For from out of Zion will come Torah.” Congratulations to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for his monumental work, The Israel Bible. This Bible not only highlights the centrality of the Land of Israel and the modern miracle of the State of Israel, but helps the Bible scholar and student alike, with helpful charts, study notes, professional essays and a relatable translation of the Hebrew text. What a beautiful and poignant way to celebrate The State of Israel’s 70th birthday.”
“I am pleased that Rabbi Tuly Weisz and the fine group of authors he has assembled have created this relevant work. Based on the sections I have read, I am confident it will succeed in helping readers of Tanakh better understand its geographical context and better perceive some of its contemporary resonances.”
“Rabbi Tuly Weisz is to be commended for compiling this remarkable collection of insights from classical rabbinic commentary and contemporary Israeli figures. Through these focused comments, he consistently highlights the profound biblical connection between God, the people of Israel, and the Land of Israel. May this book inspire us to fulfill the central mission of Tanakh itself–that individual Jews, and the miraculous State of Israel, should live up to our monumental covenantal privilege and responsibility to live according to the Torah and to serve as a Light unto the Nations.”
“This excellent work connects all the dots. It draws the reader closer to the Almighty, to the Torah, and to the Land of Israel. Rabbi Tuly Weisz and his colleagues are to be congratulated, and thanked, for this inspiring and informative gift to all who share our history and destiny.”
“The Israel Bible is a publication whose time has come. In these very critical and tempestuous times it is especially important to understand the inexplicable connection between the nation of Israel and the Land of Israel and this is precisely what Rabbi Tuly Weisz has succeeded in doing in this timely translation of the Bible.”
“Ever since I made my first trip to Israel, the words of the Bible have seemed to leap off the pages. Through reading The Israel Bible, I am now gaining a deeper understanding through inspiring Jewish insight, which has always connected the Bible to the People, Land, and God of Israel. Thank you, Rabbi Tuly Weisz, for allowing non-Jews the opportunity to connect as well.”
“The Bible, the land, and the people of Israel are one, and The Israel Bible reminds us of this bond. You can’t read the Bible, the word of God, without understanding the significance of Israel—past, present, and future. In 1948, the prophecy came to pass in our own time and no one can disconnect the people from their land ever again. Now that the God and people and land of Israel are back together, history is happening here. Jews and Christians share a biblical heritage, and The Israel Bible shows even more clearly that this is the land God chose for the Jewish people.”
“My husband and I enjoy so much these devotionals. The Israel Bible quotes in Hebrew give me a chance every day to practise my basic Biblical Hebrew reading skills. Though we are not Jewish (we are Baptists) we understand that the Lord speaks through His Holy Word. Thank you for helping people to hear His voice.”
“Rabbi Tuly Weisz’s The Israel Bible is a disruptor among bible translations. His eloquent writing style and revolutionary connection made between ancient written prophecy and it’s modern day fulfillment is stunning. Brilliant to include such incredible evidence of the promises of God on the very pages it was first written. Comprehensive and interactive, this bible fills the time gap like no other translation. It truly leaves the reader inspired and in complete awe. Exciting times to be alive with this inspiring look to the future redemption of Israel and the world.”
“Very often people read the Bible and think that it’s a dogmatic book of commandments. Yet, from the very beginning until the very end, the Tanakh is the story of the Jewish people’s connection to the Land of Israel. When you open The Israel Bible and see those grey boxes on all 929 chapters containing lessons about Israel, you see that Israel is the Torah’s main theme and begin to understand the major role that it plays. The Israel Bible helps you understand that the whole Bible is all about the Land of Israel – and that is a message for all of humanity.”
“‘The Israel Bible’ is a treasure of a translation. But it’s more than that – beautifully illustrated, with rich cultural context. It will aid your study of Scripture as few English translations because of its authentic Israel-centrism. It’s a breakthrough for those seeking a fuller, deeper comprehension of what HaShem is is still speaking to us today.”
“It is said that one of the greatest gifts that the Jewish people have given to the world is their faithful copying and scribing and sharing of the Torah. Truly the living torah is the source of life; it is a light to the nations. No longer is the Old Testament to be found only on ancient torah scrolls, or in dusty books– it is now accessible through 21st century technology. We have a new gift to unwrap: it is TheIsraelBible.com. This recently released online bible, The Israel Bible is an incredible gift to all lovers of Torah and the Old Testament. It brings us into the 21st century in how we access and study the scriptures. For those of you who love to study the scriptures, this is a website you will want to save into your favorites and visit often. We thank the team of Jewish scholars who have poured their minds, hearts, labor and love into this amazing online resource. What a gift to the world!”
“The Bible is Israel’s greatest export to the world, and so it is impossible to think of the Bible without connecting it to Israel, its land and its people. For many years it has been in my heart to see a publication that would prophetically chronicle the ongoing miraculous story of the Bible. Rabbi Tuly Weisz is helping to fulfill that dream with The Israel Bible, which includes in its commentaries the ongoing story of the miracles associated with Israel’s rebirth. The Israel Bible is a teaching tool to help prepare the nations for when Jerusalem will be the worship capital of the world, and Israel with its Hebrew language will be center stage of universal blessings.”
What a wonderful story of aliyah! It must be amazing to see the culmination of a life dream. Toronto is a far cry from living in the Land of Y’srael.
Thanks for the interesting commentary on the story of Esther. We will be considering this aspect as we enjoy our small Purim celebration here in Alaska.
Baruch Hashem.