The Megillah (Book of Esther)
Esther is the heroine of the Purim story, in which the Jewish people who live in the sprawling Persian Empire are saved from Haman’s evil scheme to annihilate them. The dramatic saga was written down so that Jewish people could read about the amazing turn of events every year on the holiday of Purim, the anniversary of the Jews’ victory over their enemies.
The Megillah of Esther (megillah means “scroll” in Hebrew) is one of the five megillahs that are included in the biblical canon. Esther is the only one to be commonly read from a handwritten parchment scroll. Read more...
Print the Megillah out and take it to your synagogue to follow the reading, or use it to study in the comfort of your home.
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The original text of the Megillah (Book of Esther) with a running commentary culled from the Talmud and Midrash, the great Torah commentators and the chassidic masters.
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Megillat Esther, with verse-by-verse linear translation.
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A highly readable English translation of the full text of the Megillah
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The three blessings recited before the reading of the Megillah: in Hebrew, English, and English transliteration.
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Interactive Megillah Reading Tutor
Use this interactive tool to learn to read the Megillah like a pro!
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What Is the Book of Esther About?
Esther is the heroine of the Purim story. The Megillah (Scroll) of Esther is one of the five megillahs in the biblical canon.
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Studying the Book of Esther
Study the Purim story from its original text, the Book of Esther, together with the classic commentaries.
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Audio | 43:11
A taste of the real thing: a recording of the complete Hebrew Book of Esther, by a renowned Megillah reader.
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It happened in the days of Achashverosh the King> A boor and a fool to boot> He made a great feast for the nations he ruled> To display his treasures and loot...
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Audio | 1:42
"The Rose of Jacob" Sung After the Megillah Reading
"You have always been their salvation, their hope in every generation... to make known that all who place hope in You shall not be put to shame..." A song of triumph, traditionally recited at the conclusion of the Megillah reading.
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Queen Esther wrote this book with Mordechai and petitioned the sages to have it included in Scripture. The Men of the Great Assembly then rewrote it.
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The biblical book that tells the story of Purim, reading it from a handwritten scroll is one of the four mitzvahs of the holiday.
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Join the Discussion
Why do we dress up on Purim?
Good question, there are several reasons for this custom, check them out here and let us know if you have further questions.
read sjabbat sidoer and read from yom to yom about jewish life from day to day and leave jews in peace to live their own lives without being forced to be what they are not because of being human beings with sense and feelings
why is the megillah only one scroll?
The Megillah was originally written as a letter from Esther and Mordechai to the Jews of their generation. In keeping with the original format, it is still produced in the same manner.
Is there some tradition of thinking that megillah can also mean to reveal (that which is hidden)?
yes
I am curious as to what historical proof we have that the The Scroll of Esther was in fact written by Esther and Mordechai?
The Talmud Bava Batra 15a notes that the Megillah was written by the Anshei Knesset Hagdolah, the Men of the Great Assembly. It was in response to Esther's request that it should be written for all generations.
It also should be known of the 10,000 scrolls found by the Dead Sea , not one Megillah.
Those scrolls were from before the Purim story
Where does it say Vashti was killed. It says she would never see him again
While the Megillah itself does not mention her death, the Talmud and Midrash make it very clear that that is what happened.
The Meam Loez actually writes that the line "She should not come anymore" was actually a decree that she should not come and beg for her life to be spared, so that the king had no chance of being swayed. See Megillah 12b.
I disagree, my view is this was a advanced society. Just as Haman had to deal with Mordechai not bowing . He consulted on what to do with the Queen , which seems to me decisions were inspired by the advisors . Whom never mention death .
First: Egypt was also an advanced society and they through live male babies into the Nile as well as Pharoah bathing in the blood of over a hundred babies a day.
Second: really, disagreeing with the Talmud and the Midrash. Did you read Megillah 12b or the explanation in Meam Lo'ez?
Suggestions/proposals were offered to the King who then gave the order to have Vashti put to death and her head was put on a platter and brought before the King, However, the next day when he sobered up he regretted what he did (Midrash). According to the Midrash and the Talmud, his advisor, Memucham was Haman who advised the King that Vashti never again appear before King Ahasuerus (Chapter 1, verse 19)...(aka put to death from the Midrash).
can you give just the whole miggilah
Good Qualities Inspire People
What came to my soul, heart and mind about these historical events is that to persevere with faith in G-d and, to remain honest, humble and caring, are always winning elements, blessed by G-d. They are powerful as both protection and weaponry.
That these elements are indeed blessed can also be seen in how the majority of the people did not take part in Haman’s plot. The fear of Mordecai was upon them, and did they didn’t just succumb, they also learned good things.
Esther was humble and not greedy which may well have been the qualities, along with her beauty, that brought love and respect to the heart of Ahasuerus; Mordecai was honest, fair and just and Ahasuerus learned he could trust Mordecai.
The worst element we learn from this, is greed. Haman was greedy, he wanted power.
The Jews didn’t even keep soils from their victory – rather did they have a feast and gave to the poor.
(Alas, there will always be Hamans in the world that want all - political parties that want to rule)
Is this the
only Megillah written on Klaf; if so, why is it?
The Book of Ruth and Kohelet I believe are read from books.
I’ve seen a scroll of Eicha (Lamentations). I would surmise that it is read on Tish’a B’av.
Megila online You can now use the link on top of the the current article to download a Hebrew-English Megila.
Re: Megillah in Hebrew Unfortunately, we don't (yet) have the Hebrew Megillah on-line. To purchase a copy please use this link.
is there anywhere i can get a copy in herbrew online???
A Great Mitzvah Since i I lost my sight your site allows me to still read and follow along with the holidays I grew up with. It's truly a blessing.
RE: reading the Megillah twice Rashi (Megillah 4a) writes that we read the Megillah during the night and the day to commemorate how the Jews prayed to be saved from Haman during both the night and the day.
Megillat Esther Why do we read it twice, once at night and again in the morning?
Because that’s the mitzvah
where do people buy kosher megillahs