Purim Table Topics/0
Purim Table Topics
Civil Disobedience
At your Purim meal, share some stories of modern leaders who engaged in acts of civil disobedience. What did these leaders set out to accomplish; were they successful? Compare their actions to Mordechai's refusal to bow to Haman.
- Were Mordechai's motivations similar to those of modern activists? Was he moved by a religious, political, or personal agenda? See Mordechai's Refusal to Bow for details.
- When is civil disobedience warranted? When are other routes preferable? In Mordechai's case, his refusal endangered the entire nation; is that justified?
Life in Exile
ife in exile?
Were Mordechai & Esther Persian Jews or Jewish Persians?
Though the vast majority of commentators assume that Esther and Mordechai were not only observant Jews, but the spiritual leaders of Persian Jewry, a small minority read them less favorably. These sources suggest that the two had initially assimilated into Persian society and it was only after Haman's plot was hatched that they reconnected to their roots. Set up a debate at your Purim Seudah regarding these differing portraits of the Megillah's protagonists. What evidence is there in the text for either side? See Mordechai's Religious Identity and Esther's Religious Identity for elaboration.
Follow up questions:
- Is it problematic to suggest that Biblical heroes might have been flawed? Why or why not? Can you think of other characters who might have only grown into greatness, while some of their early actions might have been questionable? For one example, see a discussion of Moshe's life in Midyan in Mystery at the Malon.
- According to each portrait, what is the main message that the Megillah is trying to convey? According to the non-observant model, what statement might it be making about the relationship between assimilation and antisemitism?
- What leads people to stray from their faith? What leads them to reconnect?
