Purim 2

Let's put the Purim story into historical context. The Jews had been exiled to Babylon in about 586 BCE. (Rabbinic tradition maintains a later date). The Prophet Jeremiah predicted that the dominion of Babylon would only last another 70 years. In fact, at the 70 year mark, Babylon was conquered by Persia. Persian rule was quite tolerant, and allowed subjugated peoples to return to their lands, and rebuild their cities and temples, albeit with autonomy, not independence.. Cyrus the Great issued an order regarding the Jews; they may return to Judea, and rebuild the Temple with governemnt funding. Several royal reigns were to follow, during which political intrigue delayed this building, and the Jews who moved back to Judea (the majority chose to remain in exile) lived very precariously, especially from their sworn enemies, the Samaritans. The story of the Megillah takes place at this time, although there is debate as to exactly when. Persian rule encompassed the entire Middle East, and extended as far as India, until it fell to the Greeks under Alexander. Here is the story in a nutshell, for those unfamiliar. Ahasuerus became King, although, according to tradition, not by his own merit, but through marriage to the heir to the throne, Vashti. When he felt that his hold on the throne was solid, he made a huge party in celebration. The Megillah describes the huge feast, and mentions ominously that he served food "on vessels; various kinds of vessels". This is interpreted to mean that he arrogantly used the vessels of the Temple, that had been carried away to Babylon. As the Jews also partook in the feast, Divine displeasure was aroused. Forces were set in motion, leading to the near destruction of the Jewish people, and finally their deliverance. The King becomes displeased with Vashti for refusing to be put on display (various explanations of why are offered), and the King is urged to not allow her insubordination to go unpunished. She is removed (killed?), and a new Queen is sought. Finally Esther, whose real name is Hadassah, is chosen to be Queen. Her cousin (NOT her uncle, as generally assumed), Mordecai, urges her to keep her identity secret. (According to tradition, he was also her husband, and her becoming Queen was under duress). In the meanwhile, a courtier, Haman, rises in importance. He demands that everyone bow before him, but Mordecai refuses. Haman bribes the King to destroy not only Mordecai, but all the Jews. An irrevocable order is issued. Under Mordecai's urging, Esther invites the King and Haman to a wine filled feast, during which she reveals her identity, and the fact that Haman is having her and her people killed. Esther fasts . Mordecai unites the Jews in prayer and fasting. The actual events occur during Passover, but eleven months of preparation for battle occur, with the Jews organizing a defense, and Haman's supporters (he himself has already been executed), gathering to commit violence against the Jews on the thirteenth of Adar, the original date planned for our destruction. The Jews fought back, and destroy the enemy, resting from battle on the fourteenth of Adar, declaring it a perpetual holiday. In Shushan (Sousa), the royal capitol, the enemy was stronger, and another day of battle ensued, with the Jews resting and celebrating on the fifteenth of Adar. We are told that henceforth and forever, the Jews in walled cities will celebrate the fifteenth, while those in small cities and villages will celebrate the fourteenth, with joy, feasting, sending gifts of food to each other, and charity for the poor. In my next post, I will go into the larger meaning of these events, and how we celebrate.