Influences of the Book of Esther on Judaism and Christianity

The Book of Esther is written in Hebrew in the Old Testament and in Greek in the Apocrypha. Although the Book of Esther is written as an historical account, no evidence has surfaced to prove its historical authenticity. An analysis of the story indicates that it is modeled after ancient paganistic rites. Esther herself appears to be modeled after a Great Goddess who reigned supreme over a matriarchal society more than 10,000 years ago. The value of the Book of Esther lies in the reshaping of gender roles for the survival of a rising group of patriarchal people, the Jews. Esther is venerated today by Jews during the holiday of Purim. Traces of her story, however, are evident in the Christian celebration of Easter, suggesting that she continues to be transformed to suit the needs of diverging groups of people.