The JPS Bible Commentary: Esther
Recipient of the Prize of the Minister of Science, Culture, and Sport [of the State of Israel] for classical literature for the year 5762 [2001].\ The commentary, which accompanies the Hebrew biblical text and the JPS translation, approaches the Book of Esther from a fresh literary point-of-view. It includes essays entitled “When and Where Was the Book of Esther Written?,” “Sex and Spies,” and “Rabbinic Interpretation.”\
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"The Book of Esther is, among Jews, one of the best-known and most enjoyed books of the Bible. The book's fame is due almost entirely to its connection with Purim. If we did not have Purim, with the reading of the Megillat Esther as its centerpiece, Esther would languish in obscurity. In fact, it seems likely that Esther was included in the Bible because of the celebration of Purim. The converse is also probable: If we did not have the Book of Esther we would not have Purim, for Esther gives us the account of the origin of Purim and the reason for its annual celebration...Whether the book preceded the festival or the festival the book, the two are inextricably bound together. The Book of Esther is a joyous book for a joyous festival."--BOOK JACKET.
\ Women in Judaism - David J. Zucker\ "Berlin's literary approach to the book of Esther is a very well done, and filled with important information."—David J. Zucker, Women in Judaism\ \
