The Vanishing Jew Michael EisenbergThe Vanishing Jew: A Wake Up Call From the Book of Esther
Michael Eisenberg '89

Translation from the original hebrew.

Just in time for Purim! Please share!

Entitled "The Vanishing Jew, A Wake Up Call From the Book of Esther," this book analyzes the text of the Megilla and compares the events of 2500 years ago to the modern day. The author includes a special post US Presidential Election epilogue for the English version as well.

"I would like to thank my Editor Elli Fischer who did a yeoman's job to get it out in time for Purim and calls my book a "Provocative interpretation." I would like to also thank my incredible translator Rena Siev and publisher Rotem Sella. Rabbi Benny Lau said "The book connects the Megilla to real life and wakes Jews from their slumber." The book is available only on Amazon for now. I look forward to your feedback."

For Jews, life can be comfortable in the Diaspora. However, it comes with a big price, which is not always immediately apparent but slowly eats at their Jewishness. In a highly textual new/old reading of the Bible's Book of Esther, the author examines what happened to Mordechai and his people - a people who chose to stay in Shushan, Persia, the capital city of the first multicultural empire. By looking at the text, classical commentators, and historical writings, the author examines the Persian Kingdom's recovery from its defeat by the Greeks and the parallel emigration of a handful of its Jewish residents who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the new Temple and restore their homeland, religion, and identity. Mordechai, meanwhile, had another plan. The Persian King Ahasuerus conducted a beauty contest to choose his new wife, and Mordechai recognized his opportunity to get closer to the throne. He would help make his beautiful cousin Esther the new Queen. Mordechai gained significant influence but he and the Jews of Persia ultimately lost everything. Michael Eisenberg reveals the untold story of Purim's superstar Mordechai, an assimilated Jew, descended from four generations of immigrants, whose progeny lost their Jewish identity in pursuit of Persian power and wealth. Mordechai worked to use Esther's beauty, his Jewish brothers, and political savvy to become the deputy to the King of Persia. Although he achieved his goal in the end, the story remains a lasting Jewish tragedy, masked by drunken celebrations on Purim. This book is a must read for every Jew to whom Jewish identity is important and who is willing to honestly confront uncomfortable truths. With political instability and assimilation on the rise, the book's message has taken on a new urgency.

An important voice in contemporary Jewish discourse." -- MK Ruth Calderon "A reading that connects the Megillah to life and awakens Jews from their numbness. " -- Binyamin Lau

News

dinner2024icon

update winter2024cover

WINTER 5784 ETZION UPDATE!!


DIDN'T RECEIVE THIS IN YOUR MAILBOX?
Let us know and we will update our records!

 etzion_update_logo-web


DO  YOU HAVE
A (GRAND) SON / (GRAND) DAUGHTER
CELEBRATING A BAR/BAT MITZVA
THIS COMING YEAR?
JOIN US HERE IN YESHIVA...

UPCOMING BAR MITZVA DAY: May 16th, 2024
UPCOMING BAT MITZVA DAY: May 30th, 2024

FOR PICTURES OF LAST YEAR'S EVENTS,
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW...

Bar Mitzva Progam May 18, 2023
Bat Mitzva Program June 1, 2023


great staff at work2 267
 
The Yeshiva runs on Talmud Torah, Tefilla, Middot Tovot, and Maasim Tovim. These days - we are all working that much harder to keep it all running. We wanted to highlight some 'Ovdei HaYeshiva' starting with Ovdei HaMitbach. These Guys are serving up meals to Yeshiva talmidim, Rabbeim and staff along with Evacuees from Kiriyat Shemone, Refugees from Kfar Maimon, an IDF unit serving in the area, elderly residents of Alon Shevut whose support system have been drafted, and are providing school meals including meals for children whose parents are currently serving and protecting.    
Oh, there are countless extras; one Shabbat, they prepared a Simcha for a Bar Mitzvah Boy - an evacuee from Kiriyat Shemone sheltering safely with his family in the Yeshiva dorms - whose father is currently serving and protecting. Some of them have been drafted and are serving on Emergency Response Teams. They show up in the kitchen and then leave to do their shifts.   All have family who are currently serving and protecting. Thanking them for showing up to work and working hard - every day - during these difficult times - way beyond the call of duty.

A recently updated version of TORAT CHESED:
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF HARAV AHARON LICHTENSTEIN'S WRITINGS,
with hundreds of new links,
 
is  
available on the VBM here.


a life steady and whole

Recollections and Appreciations of Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, zt"l
Edited by Elka Weber and Joel B. Wolowelsky

Available online here. 

    "In his absence, as in his lifetime, we continue to ask ourselves what he would think about the way we contend with our everyday challenges and what he would say about our struggle against torpor and faithlessness." - Rabbi Shalom Carmy
 

yemei iyun

Click here for a collection of Herzog Study Day Shiurim...


VBMDigest 5779 icon

Digest format of weekly divrei Torah,
especially designed for
dispersal 
in your local synagogue.
Click here to register...


TO REGISTER to the NEW TORAT HAR ETZION ISRAEL KOSCHITZKY VIRTUAL BEIT MIDRASH,
CLICK HERE.


WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YESHIVA COMPLETE ARCHIVE

We have created a playlist for you of the yeshiva's niggunim!

  ברון יחד - נגוני ישיבת הר עציון

beron yachad playlist



library celebrates web

Yeshivat Har Etzion Library Celebrates 35 Years! Read more...



yeshiva building

Click on the picture above and enjoy the celebration!


In Memory of Harav Yehuda Amital zt"l
(movie prepared by Har Etzion talmidim
Yehonatan Weinberger and Ehud Roth)

RYA closeup