Chapter 9 Project is here!
Some 2,600 years ago we received the Purim story. With it came Chapter 9, where — after escaping their own annihilation — the Jews respond by brutally retaliating against their enemies, killing more than 75,000 Persians.
This Purim, in this moment in history, with war raging in Israel and Gaza, The Shalom Center invited dear writers, dreamers, and seekers to reimagine Chapter 9 of Megillat Esther as an exercise in dreaming new worlds, new responses, and new endings into existence.
When we imagine the 5th century BCE Jews’ response to their almost annihilation, how would we wish that story unfolded differently? If we apply a worldview that seeks peace, love for all humans, and recognizes every person as created in the image of God, what is the ending we and the world long for?
These days, new endings are being called into existence. Both in the Purim story and in Israel/Palestine. Let’s channel those stories together.
The Chapter 9 Project is here!
The Authors
Full author bios are on the project site and in the collection
Arlene Goldbard
Rabbi Tamara R. Cohen
Diane Elliot
Genevieve Greinetz
Graie Hagans
Dan Libenson
Dara Resnik
Devon A./Chaya Arielle Spier
Sheila Peltz Weinberg
Cat Zavis
We hope these rewritten Chapter 9s will be integrated far and wide into your Purimshpiel performances, Megillah readings, text studies and discussions, or any other creative manner that helps you and your loved ones and networks grapple with the world of Chapter 9 as it’s written and Chapter 9 as it could be.
With blessings for peace,
Rabbi Nate DeGroot
Associate Director, The Shalom Center
Rabbi Arthur Waskow
Founder & Director, The Shalom Center
Arlene Goldbard
Chapter 9 Project Author, Artist, & Designer