What is the relevance of the Purim story to American Jews today? How have the figures of Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus, Mordecai, and Haman impacted the history of the United States and the Jewish people? In this course, we will examine the themes of power embedded in the Purim tradition to consider issues regarding religious freedom, the individual, and the community. We will engage with a wide variety of texts that share the Purim story’s impact on popular culture, presidential politics, and modern morality. As we confront rising antisemitism and strain to keep the social fabric of our civilization from tearing at the seams, the Book of Esther delivers an eternal message that allows us to find courage when we need it most.