Uncover the actual story of Purim from a historical perspective and its real impact.
Why does Megillah add so much superfluous information after Haman was hanged?
Why do communities loudly recite verses discussing Mordechai's lineage and attire?
Why wasn't the holiday called "Esther Day?"
Why did Esther ask for a second meal when she had just been offered half the kingdom?
We grew up with a picture in our minds of a drunk, gullible king and a shy queen. But the story of Purim is one of political intrigue, containing tremendous depth, and a massive historical impact.
In this two part lecture series, Rabbi Zvi Hershcovich will explore the historical settings of the Purim story, why it was nearly excluded from the Biblical canon, and h