Machshava:

Midrash,  Purim 

Description

Midr'shei Hazal often take on the spirit of the text being expounded and Midrash Esther Rabbah and its eastern companion, the Babylonian Esther Midrash (Masekhet Megilah 11-17) are no exception. The subtle and sharp humof/satire of the Megilah are expounded and expanded in the various Midrashim on the story of Esther, Ahashverosh, Mordekhai and Haman. In this shiur, we explore two versions of a Midrashic sequence, "filling in the blanks" on the interaction between Haman and Mordekhai when the former is directed - per his own suggestion! - to lead his Jewish foe on a royal horse through the streets of Shushan.