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The Virtual Jewish Museum

The Virtual Jewish MuseumThe Virtual Jewish MuseumThe Virtual Jewish Museum
Home
Alphabetical Order
Categorical Order
About US
Hero Creation Center
Abraham
Albert Einstein
Anne Frank
Art Garfunkel Paul Simon
Billy Joel
Bob Dylan
Deborah
Elie Wiesel
Esther
Franz Kafka
Gal Gadot
Isaac Asimov
J. Robert Oppenheimer
Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Siegel Joe Shuster
Jonas Salk
Judah Maccabeus
King David
King Solomon
Larry Page Sergey Brin
Marc Chagall
Mark Rothko
Michael Dell
Miriam
Moses
Niels Bohr
Philip Roth
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Sandy Koufax
Scarlett Johansson
Sigmund Freud
Simon Wiesenthal
Stan Lee
Steven Spielberg
Theodor Herzl
Zelensky
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  • Niels Bohr
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  • Stan Lee
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Theodor Herzl
  • Zelensky
  • Home
  • Alphabetical Order
  • Categorical Order
  • About US
  • Hero Creation Center
  • Abraham
  • Albert Einstein
  • Anne Frank
  • Art Garfunkel Paul Simon
  • Billy Joel
  • Bob Dylan
  • Deborah
  • Elie Wiesel
  • Esther
  • Franz Kafka
  • Gal Gadot
  • Isaac Asimov
  • J. Robert Oppenheimer
  • Jerry Seinfeld
  • Jerry Siegel Joe Shuster
  • Jonas Salk
  • Judah Maccabeus
  • King David
  • King Solomon
  • Larry Page Sergey Brin
  • Marc Chagall
  • Mark Rothko
  • Michael Dell
  • Miriam
  • Moses
  • Niels Bohr
  • Philip Roth
  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg
  • Sandy Koufax
  • Scarlett Johansson
  • Sigmund Freud
  • Simon Wiesenthal
  • Stan Lee
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Theodor Herzl
  • Zelensky

Esther

Esther, a Jewish queen of Persia, courageously risked her life to save her people from annihilation by exposing Haman’s plot to King Ahasuerus, becoming a timeless symbol of bravery, faith, and divine providence celebrated through the holiday of Purim.  

Background and Contributions

Jewish Background and Early Life

Esther, originally named Hadassah, was a young Jewish woman living in the Persian Empire during the 5th century BCE. She was raised by her cousin Mordechai after being orphaned at a young age. Esther's Jewish identity was central to who she was, although she kept it secret when she was brought to the palace. She lived during a time when Jews were a minority in exile, scattered throughout the vast Persian kingdom. Her early life reflected both vulnerability and resilience — a Jewish girl navigating a foreign land, while holding tightly to her faith and heritage. 

Major Contribution

Esther’s greatest act of courage came when she was chosen to be queen by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), unaware of her Jewish background. When a royal decree was issued to exterminate all Jews in the empire — led by the king’s advisor Haman — Esther risked her life by revealing her identity to the king and pleading for her people. By approaching the king without being summoned, Esther broke palace protocol, which could have led to her execution. Her bravery and wisdom led to the reversal of the genocidal decree and saved the Jewish people from destruction. This pivotal event is remembered each year during the holiday of Purim.  

Impact on the World

Esther's story has echoed through history as a symbol of courage, identity, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of grave danger. She is celebrated as a heroine in Jewish tradition and is one of the few women to have a biblical book named after her. The story of Esther teaches the importance of speaking up against injustice, using one's position to help others, and embracing one's identity. Her legacy is especially powerful for women and marginalized communities, serving as a reminder that one person — even a young woman in a patriarchal society — can make a world-changing difference. 

Key Contributions


  • Heroine who saved the Jewish people from annihilation in ancient Persia
     
  • Namesake of the biblical Book of Esther, one of the five Megillot (scrolls) in the Hebrew Bible
     
  • Role model of courage, wisdom, and faith
     
  • Central figure of the Jewish festival Purim, celebrated with joy, community, and giving to others
     
  • One of the few women in the Bible to influence major political and spiritual events
     
  • Embodiment of hidden strength and divine providence (even though God's name is not mentioned in the Book of Esther)

Did You Know?

1.  The name "Esther" may come from the Persian word for "star" (setareh) or the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. 

2.  Esther’s Hebrew name, Hadassah, means "myrtle," a plant symbolizing peace and righteousness. 

3.  The Book of Esther is unique because it does not mention God — yet divine guidance is felt throughout the story. 

Interactive Activities

Word Jumble

Unscramble the words:

  1. HEMAN → __________
     
  2. SUHEARUSA → __________
     
  3. ADHASSAH → __________
     
  4. RIUMP → __________
     
  5. GEHIMLLA → __________

Discussion or Writing Prompt

Ask students to reflect:

“What does Esther’s story teach us about standing up for others, even when it’s risky?”
Encourage them to write a short paragraph or create a comic strip showing Esther’s key moment of bravery.

Learn More About Esther

Additional Resources

   

  • The Book of Esther – My Jewish Learning
     
  • Esther and Purim – Jewish Women’s Archive
     
  • Purim for Teens – ReformJudaism.org
     
  • Esther’s Courage – Chabad.org

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