The Biblical book of Esther is set entirely outside the land of Israel. Indeed, none of the story’s Jewish characters express any intention of returning "home." So the book of Esther seems to be the book of the Bible particularly concerned to teach us about the challenges for Jews of life in the diaspora under foreign rulers.

In addition to studying the book of Esther, we will look at a variety of related sources including medieval commentators on Esther and selections from elsewhere in the Bible, especially the story of Joseph and the book of Daniel.