Politics of Purim
Book Description
In "Politics of Purim," Jo Carruthers unveils the profound political dimensions hidden within one of Judaism's most celebratory holidays. Rather than treating Purim as merely a religious observance, Carruthers examines it as a space of human freedom and possibility, where the biblical story of Esther continues to speak to contemporary struggles for justice and belonging.
This scholarly exploration weaves together festival traditions, synagogue customs, and artistic interpretations spanning centuries. From traditional purimshpiln theatrical performances to illuminated scrolls, from Renaissance masters like Botticelli to Dutch painters like Jan Steen, Carruthers traces how the Esther narrative has inspired creative expressions that grapple with questions of power, vulnerability, and resistance.
Drawing on influential political philosophers including Hannah Arendt, Walter Benjamin, and Jacques Derrida, the author investigates how marginalized communities navigate the tension between protecting their identity and extending hospitality to others. The analysis centers on fundamental questions that resonate across cultures and eras: How do threatened communities claim agency and sovereignty? How can boundaries be both maintained and transcended in service of ethical living?
The book's examination of gift-giving practices during Purim offers a compelling model for hospitality that challenges dominant power structures. Carruthers concludes with an analysis of a contemporary Brooklyn theatrical performance that boldly confronts white supremacy, economic inequality, and social injustice, demonstrating how ancient wisdom traditions continue to inspire modern movements for transformation and healing.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 240 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Social aspects
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Sovereignty
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore Political aspects
- ✓ Explore Judaism
- ✓ Explore Bibel
- ✓ Explore Biblical studies & exegesis
