Purim and Destiny - with Rachel Goldberg Polin

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Rachel Goldberg-Polin joins Dan for a Purim special to explain why this is possibly the most misunderstood holiday in Jewish tradition. Rather than simply a fun masquerade for kids, Purim presents a profound meditation on hiddenness, courage, and stepping into one’s moment. Rachel walks Dan through the Book of Esther, unpacks its drama and philosophical depth, and explores why a story where God is never mentioned may be the most relevant text for a confusing, fractured age.
In this episode:
- The world of Persia and the backstory to Purim
- Vashti, Esther, and the making of a queen
- Haman, Amalek, and the logic of antisemitism
- “For such a time as this” and the Esther moment
- Where is God in a story without God?
- Masks, hiddenness, and the illusion of randomness
- Unity, generosity, and the mitzvot of Purim
- Discovering your purpose when no one summons you
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Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo