The Times of Israel https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/esther/ News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:27:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2018/11/toi_icon_512-200x200.png Esther | The Times of Israel https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/esther/ 32 32 Her-storical documents: 2 Esther scrolls copied by female scribes celebrate Jewish resilience https://www.timesofisrael.com/her-storical-documents-2-esther-scrolls-copied-by-female-scribes-celebrate-jewish-resilience/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:22:54 +0000 https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=3767462 The only two known ancient megillahs written by women are part of a new exhibition at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, whose opening has been postponed due to the Iran war

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]]> From Zoom megillahs to sirens during reading, all you need to know about Purim at war https://www.timesofisrael.com/from-zoom-megillahs-to-sirens-during-reading-all-you-need-to-know-about-purim-at-war/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:44:47 +0000 https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=3766615 In light of the emergency situation, Israel's Home Front Command has banned public gatherings, including recitations of the Book of Esther. Leading rabbis weigh in on how to celebrate

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]]> Drawing on Dutch masters, NY exhibit explores Christians painting themselves into Purim parable https://www.timesofisrael.com/drawing-on-dutch-masters-ny-exhibit-explores-christians-painting-themselves-into-purim-parable/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 22:53:30 +0000 https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=3499715 Eschewing Persian version, Jewish Museum extends art curation scepter to masters like Rembrandt, who saw Esther's heroism echoed in their own struggle against Catholic Spain

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]]> How the removal of Jewish scripture from Turkey marred Israel’s rescue operation https://www.timesofisrael.com/how-the-removal-of-jewish-scripture-from-turkey-marred-israels-rescue-operation/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:43:20 +0000 https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=2975633 ZAKA volunteers brought back and showcased 2 Scrolls of Esther said to be decades old, sparking frenzied allegations of 'archaeological theft' in the Turkish media

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]]> Hillel and other Jewish groups call for dedication of pre-Purim fast day to Ukraine https://www.timesofisrael.com/hillel-and-other-jewish-groups-call-for-dedication-of-pre-purim-fast-day-to-ukraine/ Tue, 15 Mar 2022 08:55:34 +0000 https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=2724478 International group serving Jewish college students joins move to devote Fast of Esther to delivering spiritual strength to forces defending Ukraine from Russia

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]]> Congressman Madison Cawthorn cites ‘Christian principles’ of King David in ad https://www.timesofisrael.com/congressman-madison-cawthorn-cites-christian-principles-of-king-david-in-ad/ Tue, 05 Oct 2021 04:34:02 +0000 https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=2626513 Republican urges constituents to push government leaders to adopt Christian values he says were shown by figures in Hebrew Bible, including prophet Daniel, Queen Esther

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]]> The next pageant should select a new Haman https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-next-haman-beauty-contest/ Thu, 01 Mar 2018 12:36:32 +0000 https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=1801522 Contemporary politics remind us to stifle any knee-jerk association between evil and ugly

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]]> Esther, heroine for those who must hide https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/esther-heroine-for-those-who-must-hide/ Wed, 08 Mar 2017 05:45:17 +0000 http://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=1575932 An ode to all who cloak their authentic selves, and a prayer that they find inner connectedness, and a safe place to share

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]]> Fake news and Purim https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/fake-news-and-purim/ Fri, 03 Mar 2017 12:51:56 +0000 http://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=1573050 A holiday known for hilarity and inebriation celebrates events that heralded an era of unusually rational analysis and literacy

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]]> Netanyahu: Wholesale attacks on Reform Jews ‘unacceptable’ https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-wholesale-attacks-on-reform-jews-unacceptable/ Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:07:04 +0000 http://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=1364310 PM condemns Orthodox lawmakers who said movement is destroying Judaism, akin to Purim villain Haman

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]]> A close call with genocide? That’s hilarious! https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-close-call-with-genocide-thats-hilarious/ Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:59:47 +0000 http://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=384554 With elements of dark humor and screwball comedy, the Purim story is also a bit of a joke

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]]> Madonna arrives in Israel to kick off world tour https://www.timesofisrael.com/madonna-in-israel-to-kick-off-world-tour/ Fri, 25 May 2012 18:17:07 +0000 http://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=111852 Material Girl's motorcade enters Tel Aviv hotel with guards shielding the superstar from the media; diva expected to visit holy sites ahead of May 31 concert

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