Exploring Persian Influences in the Megillah: Insights from Rabbi Zamir Cohen's New Book

Throughout the Megillah, various expressions and names are used that were part of ancient Persian language, as well as common laws and customs.

Professor Abraham Shalom Yehuda, a scholar of Jewish history, lists numerous examples of expressions and names found in the Megillah: "Letter, Satraps, Couriers, Fine Linen, Capital, King’s Treasure, Darics, Law, Time, White, Green, Merchant, Saying, Copy, Nobles, Couriers, Hathach". Additionally, the Persian names of the king’s eunuchs, the gatekeepers, and, of course, Ahasuerus, Esther, and Shushan, are all mentioned as Persian names. The technical expressions and practices used in government offices, among the scholars of the times, and among the knowledgeable in law and order, and the king’s scribes are also referenced.

The Megillah also highlights ancient Persian customs and laws:

• Seven officials first in the kingdom (1:14)
• Sitting at the king’s gate (2:19)
• Bowing before the king’s deputy (3:2)
• Prohibition on entering the king's presence without invitation (4:11)
• Consultation with wise men and astrologers (1:13)
• Tax remission across provinces (2:18)
• Unchangeable laws (1:19)
• Casting lots (3:7)
• Sending decrees in each people's language (3:14)
• Young men serving the king (2:2)
• Importance of the king's horse (6:8)
• King's signet ring (3:10)
• Hanging on a gallows (2:23)
• Chronicles of the king (same)
• House of women (2:3)
• Using couches at banquets (7:8), and more.

Professor Michael Holzzer writes that the author of the Megillah "demonstrates remarkable familiarity with Persian customs, laws, administrative and social organization of the empire, and even its multilingual policy, which Persian kings managed within their realm".

Where are Mordechai and Esther Buried?

There are two main traditions regarding the burial site of Mordechai and Esther.

A. Among Iranian Jews, it has been a long-held belief that Mordechai and Esther were buried in Hamadan, northwestern Iran, in an ancient burial cave over which a special and large building stands today. It serves as a place of prayer for Jews and others of different faiths. On the building's wall, there is an English sign reading: "Tomb of Mordechai and Esther".

The famed Jewish traveler, Benjamin of Tudela, who visited the area in the 12th century, wrote: "Hamadan... is Media, the great city, and there about 30,000 Jews, and there, before the synagogue, lie Mordechai and Esther."

B. According to another tradition, Esther is buried near the village of Bar'am in the Galilee. It is said that her son, Cyrus, moved her remains to Israel and buried her there. Over the years, several Jewish travelers and writers testified to the presence of Esther’s tomb in Bar'am:

"I saw a rock, and within the rock, the tomb of Queen Esther, who instructed in her life to bring her to that place." "Village of Bar'am... where Queen Esther lies in a stone alcove".

Some say Mordechai is also buried there.

Tomb of Mordechai and Esther, according to another tradition, near the ancient village of Bar'am in Upper Galilee

From the book "Biblical Archaeology Volume D" by Rabbi Zamir Cohen, recently released in stores. To purchase the book, click here.