How the Megillah Became Part of the Bible

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How the Megillah Became Part of the Bible: The Holiday of Purim

Mordechai’s and Esther’s different roles in the Purim story, and their influence on the way in which the megillah was ultimately written and canonized as part of the Bible.

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Topics:	Jerusalem Talmud, Scroll of Esther, Purim

By Moishe New

Rabbi Moishe New heads the Montreal Torah Center. He is a sought out lecturer on Kabbalah and Chassidus, and their relevance in our lives today.

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4 Comments

Eileen Bay Shore March 8, 2022

Very enlightening on so many levels ! One idea I got or came up with regarding why Mordechai did not join Esther’s petition to the Sanhedrin May have been a legal one. Sitting as a Judge or member of the deciding panel he would not be able to rule on a petition that he himself had submitted as co petitioner with Esther. His role as a voting member remained intact without his name as petitioner. All speculation on my part, but that’s the good news. Your presentation ignites a spark that creates burning questions that smolder until they burst into realizations. Thank you for raking through the coals and revealing the embers, that with a little coaxing become the flames of enlightenment. (my thoughts about Mordechai and his legal role are merely speculation, not to be confused enlightenment) Reply

Shlomo FL March 9, 2015

If Mordechai wanted Purim to be a full Yom Tov like Peisach, Shevuos and Sucoth that would meen that when Purim falls on Shabos like some times it does (then moved to Sunday) we could not read the Megilah on shabos. or didn't the shabos laws regarding carrying on shabos for a Lulav and Megillah apply at that time. Reply

Daisy T Maltz S. Paulo, SP/Brazil March 6, 2012

Amazing class First time on Rabbi Moshe New's class. I simply loved it! Clear, deep and a lesson for life and to understand our purpose in life. I myself at the end, got so happy to be created as a woman (sorry to say that). More than ever. Hashem's ways are perfect... Even when everything appears to be hiden... It is all revealed. We have to keep studying. Wish the day would be longer...PURIM SAMEACH and Yasher Koach! Reply

Anonymous University Heights, OH March 21, 2011

How the Megillah Became Part of the Bible I found this lecture very interesting. I belong to a Reconstructionist congregation, and even though our mode of celebration is different than that of the Chabad, it is basically the same. Reply

The Holiday of Purim