Structure of Megillat Esther

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1. The Structure of Megillat Esther

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman and Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Reiss

   The reversal of fates in the book of Esther is expressed in the reverse parallel literary structure of the entire narrative, as demonstrated in this diagram. 

2. The Timeline in Megillat Esther

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman and Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Reiss

   Where does the story of the Megilla begin? Why is Ahashverosh's feast the starting point of the Book of Esther, when the content of the story begins long after Vashti's expulsion? The distinction between the literary starting point and the actual narrative creates a spiritual challenge for the readers, who are expected to find the divine providence that guides the events that transpire before our eyes, even when God's presence is not explicitly revealed.

3. Overview of Megillat Esther

   Gina Junger | Hour and 40 minutes

   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. 

4. Esther's Brilliant Plan

   Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom | Hour and 3 minutes

   What do the first two chapters of Megillat Esther add to the story? Why do we need this seemingly unimportant background to the Purim story? Through a close examination of the first few chapters of the megillah, we notice that these chapters provide us with important psychological profiles of the main characters – Achashverosh, Esther, and Haman. It is based on these character descriptions that we can understand Esther’s plan- playing into their psychological weaknesses in order to ultimately save the Jewish nation.  

5. "He Makes Nations Great and Destroys Them" – The Turning Point of the Megilla

   Dr. Mordechai Sabato

   Upon examination of the book of Esther, we find that only after we have finished reading the entire book can we retroactively appreciate the significance of all the events it relates. Only after we have seen the picture in its entirety, from the third year of King Achashverosh to the twelfth year of his reign, do the many details join together to form a whole mosaic. Only then do we understand the contribution of each and every detail to the final miracle.