The Book of Esther: Themes and Issues
In this brown bag seminar, I will present a volume comprising 21 (five of them co-written) articles on the book of Esther (Themes and Issues in Biblical Studies; Equinox, edited by Kristin Joachimsen and Helge Bezold), covering many of its textual versions and different receptions in various media- showing a wealthy interpretive tradition of the thrilling story about how Esther and Mordecai averted the plan to annihilate the Jewish people in the Persian period. For centuries, readers have been fascinated by the narrative’s suspense and drama, while the story has also troubled generations. Standing on the shoulders of a vibrant history of interpretation, the volume gathers cutting-edge research on core aspects of the book that challenge long-held scholarly assumptions. The articles trace the reception history from antiquity to modern times among Jewish, Christian, and Islamic circles, discussing the story of Esther in, for instance, its Hebrew and Greek versions, Targum, Babylonian Talmud, the synagogue paintings in Dura Europos, and the Lutheran reformation. In bringing together experts working with comparative material and interdisciplinary approaches to identity, belonging, gender, migration, violence, horror, fan fiction, and social media, the volume offers fresh perspectives and invites readers to reshape their understanding of the book of Esther.
I will divide the presentation into two parts: first, I will say something about the process from the idea to implementation of the volume, and then I will highlight some of the contributions as illustrations of innovative readings of this well-known story.
Visit the book-project site:
https://equinoxreligionlibrary.com/projects/esther
and the provisional table of contents:
https://equinoxreligionlibrary.com/read/provisional-table-of-contents/section/0626be65-7394-442d-8fcd-5997fb46a353
Please join us in person at the MF Library, or watch on Zoom:
https://mf-no.zoom.us/j/64105595003?pwd=S0JpdTIyT1dBcjRwTjg2YzVxdmVRQT09
Zoom Meeting ID: 641 0559 5003
Passcode: MFCASR
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