Purim

What do Paul, Purim costumes, and Purim torah all have in common? Yehuda Fogel delves into the meaning of hiddenness and its role in revelation on Purim.

Jennifer Caplan reviews Esther in America, a timely volume featuring essays by a number of Lehrhaus editors that addresses how the characters and themes of Megillat Esther have been integrated into American thought and culture over time.

As we reflect on ever-present evil by reading Parashat Zakhor this Shabbat amidst the shocking human tragedy of the war in Ukraine, Zach Truboff brings to light a derasha by Rav Moshe Avigdor Amiel written a century ago that speaks to this very moment.

Shimon Lerner uncovers a surprising but profound message that goes to the very heart of the Purim story.

Tzvi Sinensky suggests that the Megillah itself confronts the question of Purim's legitimacy.

Tzvi Sinensky explores the hidden world of Esther with the help of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Erica Brown explores the deeper meaning of joy in Megillat Esther and beyond.

Poet Yehoshua November notices a defining characteristic of contemporary poetry—fixation on the ordinary. In light of Hasidic theology, November argues that appreciation for the holiness of the ordinary underlies Megillat Esther and the celebration of Purim.

For Parshat Zakhor, this short story by Shira Eliaser richly imagines the world of King Saul and the clandestine encounter that brought Haman’s Amalekite ancestors into the world.

Tzvi Sinensky contends that the rabbinic and feminist readings of Vashti are not diametrically opposed.