Behind the Veil: Esther’s Subtle Genius in the Purim Story

A virtual event presentation by Rabbanit Shalhevet CahanaThe event was co-hosted by Beth El PhoenixAbout The Event: Often celebrated as the one who saved the Jewish people from certain downfall, how exactly did Esther do it? A close reading of the text indicates that Esther’s true brilliance lies not only in her bravery to even attempt it on the pain of death but also in her deft and magnificently subtle manipulation of events.This class will analyze the layers of Esther’s calculated, cunning, and clever strategy. Far from relying on chance alone, she masterfully cast doubt on Haman, transforming him from a trusted advisor into a suspect in the eyes of King Achashverosh. We will explore how her subtle moves and reliance on Divine providence turned an otherwise “innocent” Haman into the architect of his downfall, revealing Esther’s genius as a leader and tactician.About The Speaker: Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana teaches Judaic Studies at the Jewish Leadership Academy, a groundbreaking Jewish Day School in Miami. She serves as the Community Scholar at Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, CA – a position she has held for seven years. She has delivered shiurim (classes) and drashot (sermons) to more than 75 synagogues and campuses in North America, France, and Israel.Additionally, she is a Kallah Teacher, trained by Merkaz Eden in Yerushalayim, guiding couples in Mikvah and Shalom Bayit (marital harmony) in the months preceding their wedding.Rabbanit Cahana previously studied at Maimonides School, Migdal Oz, and Stern College for Women and their advanced Gemara program called the Graduate Program for Advanced Talmudic Studies (GPATS). ★ Support this podcast ★