The Story of Purim Through a Constructive Mahloket (Disagreement) Lens

Introduction

Many students never question why Mordechai wouldn’t bow to Haman, but according to halakha there isn’t a prohibition against bowing to a fellow human being, as a social custom or sign of respect. So why didn’t Mordechai bow to Haman? This activity is designed to help students approach texts with an openness to exploring the varying perspectives of all characters involved, an openness which they can then apply to their own lives. The unit includes a Teacher’s Guide, Source Sheet, and Student Havruta Handout.

Click here to download The Story of Purim Through a Constructive Mahloket (Disagreement) Lens.

Daniel Roth

Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth is Director Emeritus of the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution and an adjunct faculty member. He is currently Director of Mosaica and teaches graduate courses on religion and peacebuilding at Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv University and Hebrew University.

Daniel initiated Pardes’s Mahloket Matters and the 9Adar Project, promoting constructive conflict and dialogue in Israel and beyond. A regular lecturer for MEJDI Tours and National Geographic, he previously served as a senior research fellow at George Mason University’s Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution. Daniel holds degrees from Bar-Ilan University, Hebrew University, and Herzog Teachers’ College, and received rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Har Etzion.