Who is the author of Megillat Esther? What is the purpose of the Megilla, and why was it included in the Tanakh? This lecture places Megillat Esther within historical context and presents an overview of the structure and story. Through a close exploration of the text we notice a subtle but important message to the Jews living in Persia, and note its relevance throughout history and in present times as well. 

Esther - Historical Background
Structure of Megillat Esther
Mordekhai and Esther
Amalek
The Return to Zion
Purim
Courtesy of Kehillat Shivtei Yisrael, Ra'anana