Purim 5786: When Celebration Challenges Us

Posted by Pardes Faculty on February 22, 2026
Topics: Pardes from Jerusalem, Purim

How do we remain faithful to tradition when a sacred text makes us uncomfortable?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman take a thoughtful look at one of the hardest parts of Megillat Esther—the battle scenes at the end of the story. As Purim approaches, they explore different ways to understand these passages: Was the war defensive? A product of its time? Or even intentionally over-the-top? The conversation offers a model for engaging difficult texts with honesty, while still celebrating Purim with depth and joy.

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