Purim
Adult Books
In
Queen Esther's Garden: An Anthology of Judeo-Persian Literature
Judeo-Persian literature stretching from the eighth to the 20th
centuries. Written in classical Persian but using the Hebrew alphabet,
these texts include biblical epics and commentary, lyrical poetry,
and philosophy. Among the 30 writers represented, those noted for
their epics, shorter poems, and commentary include Shalin (14th
century), Imrani (15th century), and Hakam (19th century); Amina, who bridged
the 17th and 18th centuries, is celebrated for his lyric and religious poems.
Brief, thoughtful discussions of Persian literature and history frame the texts.
The literature commingles Jewish and Muslim ideas: the Shia Muslim movement,
Sufi mysticism, and the Bukhara Jewish circle are all elements of the tradition,
and forced conversion (by both Zoroastrians and Muslims) is a theme in some
of the selections. An exciting and fascinating view of a great
literature, this is an important addition to Jewish cultural studies.
Highly recommended for Jewish literature collections.
Esther
in Medieval Garb: Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Esther in the Middle Ages
(Suny Series in Judaica : Hermeneutics, Mysticism, and Relig)
Drawing on many commentaries that exist only in manuscript, and that have
not previously been known or studied, explores the role of the Book of Esther
in the intellectual and cultural life of Jews during the Middle Ages. Walfish
(Jewish studies, U. of Toronto) surveys the Jewish and non-Jewish sources
for exegesis and explains literary and theological issues, then shows how
the story appeared in such contexts as the European perceptions of Persia,
Jewish-Gentile relations, antisemitism, and the royal court.
Purim
Anthology (Holiday Anthologies Series)
Anthology of purim customs and classic stories.
Haman
and the Jews: A Portrait from Rabbinic Literature
A perceptive study of the standard and psychological archetype of the Haman
character from the Book of Esther, and an exploration of the way the rabbinical
sages treated his character in their writings and commentaries, interpreting
the Purim story from the vantage point of their own problems with pogroms,
riots, and persecutions, and even including some blame-the-victim' commentaries
in which Haman is said to have been created by God in reposne to the communities
sins.