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General Q&A on the Megillah

Who wrote the Megillah?

The Megillah was written by Mordechai.^[1] Some^[2] write that the Megillah was written by the Persians. This however is not to be taken literally, and rather it means that when it was written, it was written in a way that took into account that the Persians would create a translated copy.

Why is Hashem’s name not mentioned explicitly in the Megillah?

The reason for this is because the Megillah was originally also written in Persian, by the Empire of Achashveirosh, and the Sages did not desire the Persians to exchange G-d’s name in their translation, for the name of their deity. It was hence omitted all together.[4] Nevertheless Hashem’s name is hinted to in seven different areas. In seven areas of the Megillah there are a set of four words in which the first letter of each word when combined, spells out the name Yud Kei Vav Kei.[5] The Midrash[6] states that in all those areas that it says Hamelech without mentioning Achashveirosh, it refers also to Hashem, as will be explained next. It also states that the name Achashveirosh refers to Hashem, as it stands for that the beginning and end belong to Him.[7] See Sparks of Chassidus brought below!

Who does the word Hamelech refer to in the Megillah?[8]

The Midrash[9] states that in all those areas that it says Hamelech without mentioning Achashveirosh, it refers also to Hashem. Thus for example when it says that the king took advice with his advisors, also above Hashem took advice with the supernal angels.

Why was the Megillah named after Esther and not Mordechai?[10]

Although Esther was constantly encouraged and guided by Mordechai throughout the Purim story, nevertheless the Megillah is called by her name, as she acted with her own strengths to bring about the Purim miracle. Mordechai simply aroused her innate qualities which accomplished the Purim miracles. Likewise, it was specifically Esther that sent the Megillah to the Sages for their consent and persuaded them in authorizing it for all generations. 

Will the Megillah of Esther exist also after Moshiach comes?[11]

All the Sefarim of the prophets and scriptures will be nullified in Yemos Hamoshiach, with exception to Megillas Esther. Megillas Esther will exist just like the five books of Moses and the laws of Torah Shebaal Peh, which will never be nullified. [This does not mean that the other books of prophets and scripture will not be in existence, Heaven forbid, but rather that the G-dly revelation in the times of the redemption will make the revelation of these books unapparent. However the revelation of the book of Esther is so great that it will even shine within the light experienced by the redemption.[12]]

Sparks of Chassidus

Why was Hashem’s name not written in the Megillah[13]

Hashem’s name is not written in the Megillah being that in truth the Megillah is connected to a level of G-dliness that surpasses the revelation of G-d found within His names. The Megillah is connected to G-d Himself. The Jewish people merited to attach to Hashem’s essence through their Mesirus Nefesh during the year of the decree. Thus the revelation of Elokus found in the Megillah is higher than all the other names of Hashem.