Esther and Yosef

Found 4 Search results

1. The Greatness of the King, and the Greatness of Mordekhai

   Chapter 10

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman

   Ending the book with Ahashverosh's greatness puts the story in perspective. This is the story of Ahashverosh and his kingdom - not a Jewish story. Mordekhai's greatness is entirely dependent on the king's whims. This viewpoint is reinforced by the many allusions to the story of Joseph throughout the Book of Esther: Joseph rose to the highest power imaginable, but after his death the Jews were enslaved in Egypt.

2. Esther and Joseph

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman and Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Reiss

   Many literary parallels exist between the story of Yosef and the megillah. What is the message of these parallels?

3. The Unique Traits of the House of Rachel

   Dr. Yael Ziegler | Hour and 6 minutes

   The Sages describe the "Children of Rachel" as having certain traits, and if one is born into a family with certain gifts - one is meant to use those gifts and character traits responsibly and for good purposes. Otherwise, there are dangers of corruption.  In this shiur, we look at various prominent stories of descendants of Rachel throughout Tanakh (such as Yosef, Shaul, Esther and Mordechai) and examine their challenges and successes. Certain patterns come out (such as leadership and the motif of clothing), but ultimately it is the individual who chooses to use these traits properly or not. The various stories of the Children of Rachel can offer a formula of leadership and survival in the Diaspora - and to find God beneath the surface.

4. The Importance of Fraternity: Parashat Mikeitz and the Story of Haman

   Rabbi David Silverberg