The Kosher Bookworm: Megillat Esther: an online commentary by Rabbi Yonatan Grossman

The Kosher Bookworm

by Alan Jay Gerber

Rabbi Grossman is a graduate of Yeshivat Har Etzion and has earned a PhD from Bar Ilan University. He is an instructor at Herzog College and Bar Ilan University and also teaches at Har Etzion and Migdal Oz. He is the son of famed Israeli historian, Dr. Avraham Grossman.

The study of the megillah authored by Rabbi Grossman and published online by Yeshivat Har Etzion’s famed Virtual Beit Midrash web site [www.vbm-torah.org/ester.html], is a twenty-eight part series that treats the megillah not only as a religious document, but as a historical and literary work reflecting serious and dangerous events that seared the memory bank of the Jewish people. Accordingly, this is not to be your ordinary Tanach commentary. Rather, within its pages are to be found the results and evaluations of research from numerous prominent Bible scholars whose take is evaluated by Rabbi Grossman and given their due in terms of modern-day scholarship. The validity of the megillah is further enhanced through this method and the doubts and questioning that the megillah has been subjected to down the ages is met with an open evaluation. The resulting conclusion is that the events and theological outcomes experienced in the megillah stand up to the test of time.

While space prohibits a detailed treatment of the work, a few salient examples will hopefully demonstrate the worth of this valuable text.

The first example deals with the literary structure of the megillah that involves concealed messages and hidden writings. Rabbi Grossman cites numerous scholarly sources that reflect shades of opinion to evaluate this aspect of the megillah’s narrative. What makes this method most interesting is how he balances these modern scholarly observations with what we learn in Mesechet Megillah, especially concerning the first chapter. Rabbi

Grossman states that, “Using their exegetical language, the Sages often noted messages hidden in the story that are also related to its literary structure. Since their teachings are written as homiletic exegesis, they are generally ignored in analysis of the plain text. However, as we shall see, their interpretations should often be regarded as well-grounded in the text and its themes.”

The historical veracity of the events is dealt with in an honest and detailed manner. Analysis is made of the personalities, the political credibility of events, the linguistic nuances that serve as tell-tale indicators to the contemporaneous nature of the text, as well as the literary style and the sequence of events that serve as theological markers that make this a serious religious work.

One factor that Rabbi Grossman gives prominence to is the deep concern that lies hidden within the text: the concern for the Jews of this era who went back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple under the most dire of physical conditions. This hidden factor is in contrast to the behavior of the Jews of Shushan who feasted at the royal tables and, as implied by this, enjoyed the good life of the “golus.” To me, this contrast in the demeanor of these two Jewries has a contemporary ring to it; there are lessons to be gleaned from these events for all of us to learn.

The holiday of Purim has a bawdy edge in its observance, but through the reading of Rabbi Grossman’s work one cannot fail but to pause and consider the motivations of both Queen Esther and the Sages of that era to promulgate the observance of this feast.

The sober message inherent in this commentary should be taken to heart.

We can smile at the humor inherent in the narrative. That is only human.

But, please seriously consider the conditions under which previous generations observed this holiday. As a result, one would have to re-evaluate some of the more excessive practices that we now take for granted, and seriously ponder the near tragedy of the Purim story of so long ago, in contrast to the actual terror we labor under, today.

I conclude this essay with the closing spiritual observation by Rabbi Grossman who states: “On a personal note I would like to add that, beyond some or other analysis of Esther, the story gives prominent expression to G-d’s love for his people. Even in exile, and even under the hand of Haman and Achashverosh, He guards and protects the descendants of Abraham, His beloved one. It is for this reason, too, that the story of Esther is so precious to Jews wherever they are.”

Truth can be taught with a smile, and lessons can be learned in laughter.

Purim to me personifies that pedagogic method for all time.

Have a safe and meaningful Purim.