"Purim's Lessons for Israel: Unraveling the Roots of the Jewish Festival"
The Jewish holiday of Purim, inspired by the story of Queen Esther, is likened to ancient fan fiction, with striking parallels between Esther and the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar. This comparison sheds light on the rewriting of stories to reflect reality and identities, the presence of carnival, queerness, and joy in ancient scripture, and the relatability of biblical tales when viewed through fresh eyes. The tradition of retelling Esther's story during Purim continues to evolve through themed Purim spiels, reflecting a dynamic process akin to modern fan fiction creation.