Queen Esther

Description:

Item Number: P134

Size: 10 1/4" (26cm)
(Ester, Eszter, Eszti, Esta, Esterka, Estera, Estelle, Esfir, Esfira, Esfyr, Estella, Hestera, Hesther, Hestia, Stella) [5th Century B.C.], Jewish heroine and wife of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia, defeated his chief minister, Haman, in order to save her people from extermination. Her name means "star." When the king deposed his wife, Vashti, he chose Esther from among the beautiful women presented to him. She pleased the king and the court. After the Jews defeated their enemies, they established the Feast of Purim, which has been celebrated down to this day with joy and jubilance. Esther established fasting as a religious exercise among the Jews. She is shown as an exotic and beautifully dressed Queen.