Esther in Exile

The biblical book of Esther is the dark, yet marvelous, story of a Jewish girl deported with her uncle to the Persian Empire. They are in exile from Israel and from humanity, condemned to wander as nomads and strangers in a foreign land. Yet, almost in spite of herself, Esther becomes a queen, succeeding in saving her people from extermination. How hard it is when everything seems to be falling apart to stay true to one's identity! It might be even more difficult for these exiles to keep faith with a God who seems hidden deep in the very heart of history. However, only this kind of faithfulness makes it possible to accept the other, the one who is different, and to be accepted by the other oneself. The stakes are high. In spite of conflicts and tragedies, this story sets forth a real spirituality of difference. Esther in Exile is a penetrating work on the human condition in general and on the female condition in particular. I have very successfully used the first two books of Christianne Meroz as a resource for an adult Bible study class. This book fully takes its place with the first two, to share with the readers the meaning of the stories at the time and their application to us today. --John T. Burr, parish deacon, St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene, Rochester, NY This midrash on the story of Esther offers insight into two biblical women who exhibit strength, imagination, and tenacity, as well as the ability to speak truth to power. A story most often interpreted as a story of liberation for the Jewish people turns out to be a story of human liberation, including liberation from prejudice, stereotyping, and fear of those we consider 'other.' A great resource for preachers and teachers struggling with the meaning and purpose of human diversity as it emerges out of divine unity. --C. Denise Yarbrough, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY Sister Christianne Meroz, of the Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland, facilitates women's groups in the Netherlands. Her roots have brought her to nourish her Christian reflection with Jewish traditions of Bible reading. Meroz is the author of numerous books, two of which have already appeared in English--Five Women: Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah and Three Women of Hope: Miriam, Hannah, Huldah. The translator, Dennis Wienk, is a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, who served most recently as Director of Pastoral Care and Chaplain with Episcopal SeniorLife Communities in Rochester, New York.