{"product_id":"esther-unmasked-solving-eleven-mysteries-of-the-jewish-holidays-and-liturgy-paperback","title":"Esther Unmasked: Solving Eleven Mysteries of the Jewish Holidays and Liturgy - Paperback","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/reportcopyrightinfringement.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReport copyright infringement\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eMitchell First\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUnlocking the Secrets of Jewish Tradition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eEsther Unmasked\u003c\/i\u003e, Mitchell First dives into some of the most perplexing and intriguing questions surrounding Jewish holidays and liturgy. Combining meticulous historical research, classical Jewish sources, and innovative thinking, this book explores the origins, meanings, and evolutions of cherished traditions, providing fresh perspectives for both lay readers and scholars.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Highlights and Chapter Summaries: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEstablishing the Correct Text in Aleinu: \u003c\/b\u003e Is the famous phrase \u003ci\u003etikkun olam\u003c\/i\u003e in Aleinu correctly translated, or does it originally mean something else entirely?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Origin of the Word \u003ci\u003eMechilah\u003c\/i\u003e: \u003c\/b\u003e Where does the term for forgiveness originate, and how does it differ from biblical concepts like \u003ci\u003eselicha\u003c\/i\u003eh?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Cryptic Phrase Ani Va-Ho: \u003c\/b\u003e What does this obscure Mishnaic expression mean, and how should it be understood in the context of Sukkot rituals?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Meaning of \"Maccabee\" \u003c\/b\u003e What does the name \u003ci\u003eMaccabee\u003c\/i\u003e signify, and how does it reflect the essence of the Hasmonean revolt?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Meaning of Chashmonai: \u003c\/b\u003e What is the origin of the term \u003ci\u003eChashmonai\u003c\/i\u003e and its connection to Jewish resistance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAntiochus' Decrees Against the Jews: \u003c\/b\u003e What motivated the infamous decrees of Antiochus IV, and what were their historical and cultural roots?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Origin of Taanit Esther: \u003c\/b\u003e How did this fast day arise when it is not mentioned in the Book of Esther or the Talmud?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAchashverosh and Esther in Secular Sources: \u003c\/b\u003e How do historical records about Xerxes and his queen Amestris align with or challenge the portrayal of Achashverosh and Esther in the Megillah, and what can this tell us about the historical context of the Purim story?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Evolution of Mah Nishtannah: \u003c\/b\u003e Why did the Passover Seder's iconic Four Questions originally contain only three, and how did the fourth question evolve?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eArami Oved Avi in the Mishnah: \u003c\/b\u003e How does a closer analysis of the Mishnah alter our understanding of this famous biblical phrase?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Pe-Ayin Order in Ancient Israel: \u003c\/b\u003e What can the ordering of letters in ancient Hebrew teach us about the Book of Psalms and Lamentations?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSources Cited in \u003ci\u003eEsther Unmasked\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBiblical Texts: \u003c\/b\u003e References to the Torah, Psalms, and Lamentations provide a foundational understanding of Jewish traditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMishnaic and Talmudic Literature: \u003c\/b\u003e Core insights into Jewish rituals and practices are drawn from the Mishnah and Talmud.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Dead Sea Scrolls: \u003c\/b\u003e These ancient texts shed light on the evolution of Jewish practices in the Second Temple era.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eClassical Commentaries: \u003c\/b\u003e Scholars like Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, and Radak offer traditional interpretations to anchor his analyses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eArchaeology and History: \u003c\/b\u003e First incorporates archaeological discoveries and Greek-Persian historical accounts, such as those of Herodotus, to contextualize figures like Achashverosh and Esther.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eModern Scholarship: \u003c\/b\u003e Studies from journals like \u003ci\u003eHakirah\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eAJS Review\u003c\/i\u003e provide contemporary perspectives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eLinguistic Analysis: \u003c\/b\u003e The etymology of terms and names is explored through ancient Hebrew and related languages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eMitchell First is a historian, scholar, and legal professional with a deep passion for Jewish history and liturgy. A graduate of Columbia College and Harvard Law School, First is also a published author in respected academic journals such as \u003ci\u003eHakirah\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eAJS Review\u003c\/i\u003e. He combines his expertise in history and law to offer a unique perspective on Jewish texts and traditions. First lives in Teaneck, NJ, with his family, where he continues to write and lecture on topics of Jewish interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 246\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.56 x 9 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e February 04, 2015\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44458150592563,"sku":"9780692375426","price":71.63,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/2191\/6467\/files\/sFnabXHkQz9780692375426.webp?v=1783577864","url":"https:\/\/thereadinghousebookcompany.com\/products\/esther-unmasked-solving-eleven-mysteries-of-the-jewish-holidays-and-liturgy-paperback","provider":"The Reading House Book Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}