Esther, Vashti, and Gender

The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she won his grace and favor more than all the virgins. So he set a royal diadem on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Esther 2:17

Purim Heroines (Dr. Stefanie Siegmund): Reconsidering the story of Esther in light of crypto-Jews

Purim Reversals (Rabbi Julia Andelman):  “…Traditionally questionable or forbidden boundary crossings are sanctioned and even celebrated on this one day of the year when norms are freely reversed.”

VIDEO

A Tale of Two Queens
by Dr. Anne Lapidus Lerner