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: | Drawer...
|
| 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 |