3-Week SASA Reading Group: How to Survive in an Authoritarian State – The Book of Esther

The Book of Esther has held a celebrated place in Judeo-Christian lore since its initial promulgation in the 3rd or 2nd century BCE. Commentators’ views of its central theme fall into several categories, generally privileging the role of Esther as leading the triumph of the Jews over the evil Haman and the indifferent Ahasuerus. The role of Mordecai seems to be secondary – as pious sage, Jewish advocate, and faithful steward of Esther. However, things may not be as they appear. In this Reading Group, we will learn about the narrative of the Book of Esther, discuss the roles of the characters in this tale of royal backstabbing and deceit, imagine the pageantry of the Achaemenid Persian royal court, and investigate

3-Week Text-In-Translation Reading Group

Wednesdays at 12 pm Eastern Time  

Start date: June 25th

End date: July 9th

MUST RSVP TO GET LIVE SYLLABI WITH THE ZOOM LINK.…