Purim
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Babylonian Exile
I am a little confused as to when the Babylonian exile began and ended. Did the seventy years prophesised by Jeremiah begin whith the destruction of the Temple? What were the years of the exile (from when to when)? When…
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The Book of Esther and the Purim Celebration
I am currently involved in a Bible study of the book of Esther. Would you please tell me when this particular writing became part of the sacred scripture for the Hebrew people? Was the Feast of Purim begun because of…
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Purim During a Leap Year
Why is Purim celebrated twice in a leap year when we have 2 months of Adar? In the book of Esther the 12th month is mentioned as the day that King Xerxes and Haman plotted against the Jews. I thought…
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When was Purim Instituted?
When was Purim instituted? Answer: Purim began at the time the Book of Esther was written, around 350 B.C.E.
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Purim and the Ninth of Av
Why is it that on the 9th of Av there are no commandments of giving gifts to the poor and sending food to others as there are on Purim? Surely this helps to create and increase more love for our…
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The Fate of Queen Vashti
Was Vashti banished or was she murdered? Answer: The book of Esther (1:19) only says that Vashti should “no longer come in to the king”, which might mean being banished or whatever. Our sages explain, though (see Rashi on that…
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Fasting and Hearing the Book of Esther
I will be traveling home from a business trip Thursday afternoon (which I know is a fast day — Taanis Esther), and hope to hear Megillas Esther at the proper time (right at nightfall, when the fast is over). If…
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Funeral on Purim
Can you do a funeral on Purim? Answer: According to the Talmud in tractate megilla, not only must one perform a funeral on Purim, but it even takes precedence over reading the Megillas Esther (or hearing it). However, eulogies are…
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Historical Evidence for the Purim Story and Queen Esther
Is there any historical evidence of the story of Purim and Queen Esther? Answer: In the high mountains of Iran is a city called Hamadan. Notice that if you remove a “da” from Hamadan, you get “Haman.” I don’t know…