Esther

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Pronunciations

Esther (ESS-tur) listen

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Definitions

  • n. The Jewish girl who became queen of ancient Persia and King Ahasuerus's second wife during the story of Purim in the 5th century B.C.E.

Example Sentences

  • "Yes, Purim is a great 'let loose' holiday. Many shuls (synagogues) hold celebrations where people dress up in costumes, and children may put on a play re-enacting the story of Esther." (source)

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Languages of Origin

  • Textual Hebrew

Etymology

  • הדסה‎

      • Who Uses This

      • Jews: Jews of diverse religious backgrounds and organizational involvements

      Regions

      • North America

      Dictionaries

      • The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, (Philadelphia, 2001).

      Alternative Spellings

      Queen Esther

Notes

  • "The story of the Purim holiday is retold in a scroll called Megillat Esther. Purim celebrates the rescue of the Jewish community of ancient Persia from persecution by Haman, an evil adviser to King Ahasuerus. The Hebrew name for Esther is Hadassah." (JPS)

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