Testimonials
Ruth R. Wisse, professor emerita, Harvard University, and author of Jews and Power
"This invaluable collection of essays on Esther’s prominence in the political history of America fans out into a compendium of modern Jewish thought."
Bari Weiss, journalist and author of How to Fight Anti-Semitism
"In a moment when so many Americans appear to be waiting for salvation to come from another quarter, this illuminating volume reminds us that each of us has the ability to be like Esther. What would the Jewish people and America look like if we had the courage to emulate hers?"
Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University, and author of American Judaism: A History
"Esther in America restores the Book of Esther to its rightful place within American culture. Ranging in time from Cotton Mather to the coronavirus, the book shows how the plot, characters, and language of this beloved biblical narrative left a lasting impression upon American history and civilization, and how that impression, in turn, offers new insights into the Book of Esther’s meaning."
A. J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically
"This wonderful book takes one of the most underappreciated stories in the Bible and shows how remarkably relevant it is to our lives. Dr. Stuart Halpern has collected a scroll’s-worth of essays on how Esther’s plight and triumph shed light on everything from medical ethics to beauty contests, from presidential politics to romantic comedies. I'm delighted Queen Esther is finally getting her due."
