Jewish identity on trial: the case of Mordecai the Jew
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 chapt...
Main Author: | |
---|---|
Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
The National Library of Canada
2017
|
In: |
The journal of Hebrew scriptures
Year: 2017, Volume: 17, Pages: 1-25 |
IxTheo Classification: | HB Old Testament |
Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
Summary: | 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. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 1203-1542 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: The journal of Hebrew scriptures
|
Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.5508/jhs.2017.v17.a8 |