[HANASHIR:5366] No God, but there is MELECH

[Klein, Jonathan, Rabbi <jklein...>]

By the way, one way to get around the missing reference to God is to note
that the word MELECH punctuates each column of scribally-written Esther.
While the Melech of the book refers to Ahashueros, the pattern implies that
the Melech Malchey Hamlachim, the supreme Ruler, i.e. God, is present on
every page of the book of Esther.

Rabbi Jonathan Klein
Director, KESHER (UAHC College Education Department)
633 Third Avenue
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AOL Name: Rav Klein
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        -----Original Message-----
        From:   Hazzanatu (at) aol(dot)com [SMTP:Hazzanatu (at) aol(dot)com]
        Sent:   Thursday, February 24, 2000 7:29 AM
        To:     hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
        Subject:        [HANASHIR:5339] Re: HANASHIR digest 810

        A correction for Andy - 

        With all due respect...Megillat Esther is most certainly part of the
Tanach 
        (in the Ketuvim - Writings section, along with the 4 other megillot 
        (scrolls).  It is true that the Rabbis debated whether or not to
include it 
        because of  the reasons you mentioned (especially the "Missing
G-d"); however 
        ultimately it was included.  Otherwise we would not be celebrating
Purim 
        today!

        Have a great Purim!

        (Cantor) Arlyne Unger
        Philadelphia, PA
        

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