1. Ahashverosh made a party for 180 days while his Queen Vashti, had her own separate party. What could be the real purpose for such a party for Ahashverosh and for what purpose did Vashti make her party?
2. Ahashverosh made two parties - one for the officials of the kingdom and one for the common people in Shushan. What could possibly be the motivation behind making both parties.
3. In the proclamation sent throughout the empire to each household one of the decrees was that the language spoken in the home must be that of the husband. What is it about language that makes it such a crucial factor?
4. Did Esther want to be selected as Queen? Bring an indication from the text.
5. How is it possible that Mordekhai overheard the plot to kill the King without being noticed by the conspirators?
6. The text tells us that Mordekhai always sat at the king's gate. What does the "King's Gate" symbolize and what does that tell us about Mordekhai?
7. If Haman was angry with Mordekhai only, what made him want to destroy all Jews?
8. Haman convinced Ahashverosh that the Jews should be destroyed. Describe his arguments. How does this relate to anti-Semitic tactics throughout history.
9. If Haman convinced Ahashverosh that the Jews were a threat to the Kingdom, why did he pay Ahashverosh for the privilege of killing the Jews?
10. Rather than pick an appropriate day, Haman drew lots. What does this indicate about Haman's beliefs?
11. The megilah indicates that, after the decree, the city of Shushan was "bewildered." Explain this reaction.
12. When Mordekhai heard of the plan to destroy the Jews, he reacted in what became the classic Jewish way - he rent his garments, put on a sackcloth with ashes, and cried. How do thesesymbolize the emotions that he felt?
13. The Megila states that there was a rule that if one called upon the king without being summoned, he could be put to death. What does this reflect about that society.
14. The Jews of Shushan fasted in their time of distress. What is the explanation of this practice.
15. Why didn't Esther tell Ahashverosh of the terrible plot against the Jews immediately? Why did she organize a series of parties?
16. What reason could Esther have had for inviting Haman to the party she made for the king?
17. What do we learn about Haman's personality and character from Chapter 5?
18. After his boastful account, Haman said that all the glory does not outweigh his unhappy feelings when he sees Mordekhai. What does this indicate about Haman's personality?
19. When Ahashverosh couldn't sleep one night, he ordered the book of records be read to him. What was his purpose?
20. How was it that Mordekhai was never previously rewarded for his act of saving the king's life?
21. Haman's response to Ahashverosh's question of how to honor someone was a description of kingly treatment. Since Haman thought this would be for himself, was he not obviously overreaching in expressing his ambition to the king?
22. What could have been the historical background to prompt Zeresh to say to Haman at this time that "If Mordekhai is Yehudi, you will surely fail before him?"
23. Esther tells Ahashverosh that the Jews were not even "sold as slaves" in Haman's plot. What was her intention in mentioning this?
24. When Ahashverosh heard that Haman was the perpetrator of the plot against the Jews he immediately went outside. What does this indicate?
25. When Ahashverosh returned inside, he thought Haman was trying to seduce Esther. Does this reveal anything further about thepersonality of Ahashverosh and his relationship with Haman?
26. The King's anger was abated when Haman was hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordekhai. What exactly was the king angry about?
27. What is the nature of the reasons Esther used to convince Ahashverosh to help save the Jews?
28. It was necessary to make another royal decree to save the Jews as the first decree could not be canceled. Why was it that the king could not simply cancel a royal decree?
29. The new decree gave Jews the right to fight on Adar 13 "against their enemies." Without the decree would they not have fought back?
30. Chapter 9 verses 2-5 indicates that the Jews defeated their enemies partly because of "psychological" factors. What role could these factors have played?
31. The megillah tells us that, after the defeat, the Jews did not take any of the spoils. What does this tell us?
32. As a reaction to the battle, the Jews spontaneously made parties and practiced "mishloah manot ish le're'ehu umatanot la'ebyonim." How do these actions relate to the emotional feelings they must have felt.
33. Of all the events that occurred, the "lottery" aspect was just one detail. Yet the holiday was called Purim - lots. What was the reason for this?
34. The megilah states that the Purim holiday will never cease. The Talmudic sages expounded that even if all other holidays are annulled in the time of redemption, Purim will continue to be celebrated. Why was Purim singled out from all the holidays?