PURIM-HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE JEWS OF PERSIA

Dr David Neiman on the historical background of the Jews of Persia, The Book of Esther and life in ancient Persia. People regard the Purim story as a myth or fairytale when it really is a docu-drama. It is the story of a clash of empires that actually occurred and in which the Jews played a pivotal role.


The holiday of Purim is celebrated worldwide by all Jewish communities, and with greater emotional involvement by the communities of Iran and Iraq. The story of Purim is an account of the historical events related in the Scroll of Esther. Biblical scholars have always had a problem with this story and other biblical narratives which are beautifully written. It is as if the perfection of the literary work leads them to doubt its historical accuracy.