Megillat Esther

Megillat Esther is commonly referred to as the Book of Esther: but there is nothing common about JT Waldman's interpretation of this Biblical story. In what may be the world's first religious, scholarly comic book, Waldman tells the epic tale of exile and redemption in graphic form. When Esther, a Jewish woman, is made Queen of Persia she must keep her identity hidden, all the while maneuvering to save her people from annihilation. This is a story familiar to many Jews who have heard it recounted every year on the holiday of Purim. But readers of all backgrounds will be entranced by what artist Waldman depicts in his interpretation of the text. At once traditional and groundbreaking Megillat Esther will challenge secular assumptions about the Bible. Each page of Megillat Esther is a visual tour de force and features the Hebrew text with original English translation, as well as opulent drawings depicting the story of the Persian Queen. Traditional interpretations of the story are woven throughout the panels. Megillat Esther presents the reader with a topsy-turvey world in which fortunes reverse and nothing is what it seems. This vibrant, edgy retelling of a classic Biblical tale is sure to amaze and intrigue scholars and laypeople of all religions and comic book lovers alike.

"In a counterfactual world resembling the 1930s, the state of Khazaria, an isolated nation of warriors Jews, is under attack by the Germanii. Esther, the precocious daughter of Khazaria's chief policy advisor, sets out on a quest to ensure the survival of her homeland"--

Megillat Esther - The Book of Esther - with a new commentary anthologized from Talmud, Midrash, calssic Rabbinic commentators, and the Chabad Rebbes.The anthology was compiled by Rabbis Yosef Marcus and Eli Block. The text of the Megillah proper was translated and interpolated by Rabbi Yosef Marcus.In the appendices, we have included "Megillah Reading for Purim," which includes the blessings that are recited before and after the reading, as well as the entire text of the Megillah.

The creators of Hadar's groundbreaking Devash Parashah Magazine are proud to introduce The Devash Megillat Esther! This beautiful volume includes the full Hebrew Megillah text, an original kid-friendly English translation, and carefully selected commentaries from 2,000 years of Jewish tradition brought to life in newly accessible ways. Devash unlocks sophisticated texts for learners of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging deep questioning and growth. This approach has transformed Torah study for children and families. The Devash Megillat Esther now brings the same joyous learning experience to the topsy-turvy world of Shushan!

Every Jew knows the exciting story of Purim. The Megillah's lessons in faith are beyond comparison, and take us on an awe-inspiring journey of the Jew in exile. It has the full text of the Megillah and tells the story in Hebrew with Russian transliteration. As Purim is the most festive and joyful holiday of the year, every single word in the Megillah must be heard or else one has not fulfilled their obligation. As its lessons of Divine Providence are timeless and eternal, every word must be heard clearly, and its eternal messages taken to heart. The Megillah must be read twice once on Purim night and once the following morning. If one forgot to read at night or was otherwise prevented, there is no way to make it up during the day.

Widely praised as a seminal contribution to the study of the Old Testament when it first appeared, Michael V. Fox's Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther is now available in a second edition, complete with an up-to-date critical review of recent Esther scholarship. Fox's commentary, based on his own translation of the Hebrew text, captures the meaning and artistry of Esther's inspiring story. After laying out the background information essential for properly reading Esther, Fox offers commentary on the text that clearly unpacks its message and relevance. Fox also looks in depth at each character in the story of Esther, showing how they were carefully shaped by the book's author to teach readers a new view of how to live as Jews in foreign lands.

This book situates the book of Esther in the intellectual history of Ancient Judaism and provides a new understanding of its purpose.