Esther's story is exciting, romantic and disturbing. Set in the imaginary lavish court of the Persian king 2,400 years ago, it is an early example of anti-Semitism. Is there actual history here? Why did many Jews oppose its addition to the Biblical Canon? We will explore key parts of the text of the Book of Esther and its world, then fast forward to its ‘movie midrash’ - how Hollywood has interpreted the story.

In partnership with the Jewish Community Library

in partnership with Congregation Beth El, Berkeley

In partnership with Congregation Netivot Shalom, Berkeley and KlezCalifornia

In partnership with the Jewish Community Library, San Francisco

In partnership with Urban Adamah (along with Jewish Studio Project and JewishLearningWorks)

In partnership with Manny's, San Francisco

In partnership with the the JFCS Holocaust Center's San Francisco-wide Yom HaShoah Commemoration and Day of Learning, and the Contra Costa community-wide commemoration.

Part of our “What REALLY Happened on…” series

A week after celebrating Israel's Independence Day, we look at the current situation "through a glass darkly." Award-winning journalist Bradley Burston's new book "The End of Israel" details how, even before the horrific Gaza war that is still unfolding, Israelis had begun to question whether this year's Independence Day would be the nation's last. It also shows how Benjamin Netanyahu's policies enabled the war and documents a fateful and still-destructive choice Netanyahu made "to contort and sacrifice his country for the sake of his own political longevity." Burston concludes: "He chose. Israel lost. End of story."