Jewish Identity on Trial: The Case of Mordecai the Jew

Authors

  • Ayelet Seidler Bar-Ilan University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5508/jhs.2017.v17.a8

Abstract

The book of Esther deals with issues of Jewish identity in exile. This article argues that early in the story (chapters 2 and 3) Mordecai is depicted as trying to assimilate into Persian culture before experiencing a reversal and returning to his Jewish identity, a development that occurs from chapter 4 onwards. This reading illuminates an important theme addressed in the book, namely, how the danger of assimilation threatens Jews in the Diaspora. The book portrays an ideal Jewish leader operating in a foreign court while adhering to his Jewish identity and serving his fellow Jews.

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Published

2017-01-01

How to Cite

Seidler, A. (2017). Jewish Identity on Trial: The Case of Mordecai the Jew. The Journal of Hebrew Scriptures, 17. https://doi.org/10.5508/jhs.2017.v17.a8

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Section

Articles