2011 Articles

The Whole Megillah: Purim, Queen Esther and Mordechai

Pollack, Robert

In "The Whole Megillah: Purim, Queen Esther and Mordechai," Robert Pollack offers a reinterpretation of the Book of Esther, focusing on the characters of Esther, Vashti, and Mordechai. Pollack contrasts the bravery and self-awareness of the women in the story with the vanity and destructiveness of the male characters. He critiques Mordechai's actions, particularly his willingness to place Esther in a demeaning situation for the sake of political gain. Pollack's analysis highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the autonomy and contributions of women within the Jewish tradition.