Megillat Esther The Book of Esther

Esther, newly crowned queen of Persia, conceals her Jewish identity-but when her cousin Mordecai discovers a genocidal plot against the Jews, she must find a way to save her people and fulfill her destiny. Will Esther and Mordecai triumph over the villainous Haman?Witty, suspenseful, rich with psychological insight and political intrigue--the Book of Esther is filled with plot twists and reversals of fortune. This new edition, edited by Martin S. Cohen, unfolds the literary and religious meanings of the megillah for contemporary readers. Alongside the traditional text from the Hebrew Bible, Cohen offers an expanded narrative translation that evokes the playfulness and allusiveness of the megillah. A second, contextual translation by scholar Pamela Barmash captures the literary style and linguistic connotations of the Hebrew text. This innovative book also includes commentary on selected verses by a diverse group of Conservative rabbis, essays introducing each chapter of the megillah, and the blessings and evening service that accompany the public reading of Megillat Esther on Purim.