Where Are Mordechai and Esther Resting?

In the heart of Hamadan, Persia, stands a majestic structure above a large burial cave. Inside, two large wooden tombstones covered with velvet drapes rest. The right is attributed to Queen Esther, inscribed with "This is the coffin where Esther the righteous was buried," while the left is Mordechai's, which includes his lineage, stating "This is the holy ark of Mordechai the righteous." Between the two, a stone covers a deep pit, which according to one tradition, leads to Jerusalem.

"According to our tradition," says native Yona Azian, "our city Hamadan is the capital Shushan, where Mordechai and Esther are buried by the well that has a tunnel leading to Jerusalem. Believers say when the Messiah comes, the diaspora of Hamadan will rise to Jerusalem through the tunnel up to the Temple Mount."

The site became a pilgrimage for Persian Jews, particularly during Purim when the Megillah is read and crowds gather at the place. "People have spoken of numerous miracles that happened here," Yona shares, "We witnessed great salvations and our prayers were answered."

Above the burial cave, a brick structure was erected during the 15th century, topped with a rounded tower. Inside, a small room for prayer and a large hall for bar mitzvahs, brit milahs, and more, including reading the Megillat Esther on Purim. The walls surrounding the graves are adorned with verses from the Megillah and the Bible. The place holds significance for Muslims too, with the Iranian authorities designating it a national heritage site, ensuring its security. Remnants of Iran's Jewish community still make pilgrimages, considering it their spiritual center.

However, some strongly argue Hamadan is not King Ahasuerus's capital Shushan, pointing to an alternative tradition indicating Esther and Mordechai's burial site in the Western Galilee in Israel. Documented by Rabbi Menachem from Hebron in the 13th century, the celebrations of Purim were customary here. Located in a forest glade in the Tzivon stream, not far from Kibbutz Baram, visitors find a simple stone slab atop a stone heap, inscribed "The burial place of Mordechai and Esther, of blessed memory."

According to this tradition, Esther was brought posthumously to Israel by her son Cyrus, who buried her there. So, where is the grave—here or in distant Persia?