The Tikvah Podcast Ronna Burger on Reading Esther as a Philosopher (Rebroadcast)
Mar 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ronna Burger, a philosophy professor at Tulane University known for her work on the Book of Esther, examines the intertwining themes of luck, providence, and human decision-making. She explores Esther's bold maneuvers within a patriarchal society and the moral complexities of navigating power dynamics. The conversation highlights the significance of human agency amidst divine silence, offering insights into the philosophical implications of biblical narratives and how they resonate with contemporary Jewish experiences.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Exploring the Intersection of Bible and Philosophy
02:58 • 3min
Navigating the Intersection of Philosophy and Biblical Interpretation
05:38 • 2min
Exploring the Complexity of Esther and Leviticus
07:54 • 12min
Navigating Power and Providence in Esther
19:47 • 28min
Divine Silence and Human Agency in the Book of Esther
47:59 • 2min
Power and Providence in Esther
50:05 • 10min
Book of Leviticus
Rolf Rendtorff
Robert Kugler
This volume, edited by Rolf Rendtorff and Robert A. Kugler, brings together contributions from well-known experts on Leviticus. It delves into the composition, final form, and various themes of the Book of Leviticus, as well as its reception and interpretation. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of this significant biblical text.
Book of Esther
Thomas Publications
The Book of Esther is a historical fiction narrative set in the Persian court during the fifth century BCE. It tells the story of Esther, a Jewish maiden who becomes the wife of King Xerxes and risks her life to save the Jewish people from annihilation. The book explains the origin of the Jewish feast of Purim and highlights God's providential care for His people even in exile. The story includes themes of divine intervention, courage, and the tension between Jews and Gentiles[3][4].
Aristotle
Roger Crisp
Aristotle
Commentary on Esther
Commentary on Esther
John Levinson
Dawn
Eleanor Hodgman Porter
On Tyranny
Victor Gourevitch
Leo Strauss
Michael S. Roth
This book is a comprehensive analysis of Xenophon's dialogue Hiero, in which the tyrant Hiero and the poet Simonides discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exercising tyranny. The work includes a translation of the dialogue from its original Greek, Strauss's commentary on it, a critique of Strauss's commentary by Alexandre Kojève, and the complete correspondence between Strauss and Kojève. The discussion delves into the nature of tyranny, the distinction between tyrants and kings, and the philosophical implications of these concepts. The book also explores the debate between Strauss and Kojève on the role of philosophy in ruling the world and the concept of the Universal Homogenous State[1][3][5].
Persian Letters
Montesquieu
Written in the form of letters, 'The Persian Letters' is a satirical and philosophical work that explores various themes such as human nature, social structures, customs, and institutions. The novel follows two Persian travelers, Usbek and Rica, as they observe and comment on European society, particularly in France during the early 18th century. It addresses topics like the role of women, statecraft, justice, morality, and the comparison between Eastern and Western cultures. The work is known for its witty and inventive style, blending travel literature with the epistolary genre[1][2][4].
Book of Leviticus
Rolf Rendtorff
Robert Kugler
This volume, edited by Rolf Rendtorff and Robert A. Kugler, brings together contributions from well-known experts on Leviticus. It delves into the composition, final form, and various themes of the Book of Leviticus, as well as its reception and interpretation. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of this significant biblical text.
Esther
Henry Adams
Written by Henry Adams in 1884, 'Esther' is a novel that delves into the complexities of a modern, rationalist woman's response to romantic and religious pressures. The story follows Esther Dudley, a sophisticated and free-thinking woman, as she navigates her feelings for Reverend Stephen Hazard, a charismatic and high-minded preacher. The novel is set against a backdrop of debates about religion, science, art, and poetry, and it reflects Adams' exploration of the 'woman question' of his time. Esther's character is partly based on Adams' wife, Clover, and the novel touches on themes of bereavement, intellectual curiosity, and the struggle for independence in a society dominated by traditional values.
Genesis
Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit
Craig Mundie
Eric Schmidt
Henry A. Kissinger
In this book, Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Craig Mundie explore the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence. AI is seen as a force that can address enormous crises such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and income inequality, while also posing significant challenges to human judgment, divine relationships, and potentially spurring a new phase in human evolution. The authors chart a course between blind faith and unjustified fear, offering an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.
Othello
The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Written around 1603, 'Othello' is a tragedy that delves into the destructive nature of jealousy and the vulnerability of trust in relationships. The play follows Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, whose marriage to Desdemona is manipulated by his ensign Iago, leading to tragic consequences. Iago exploits Othello’s insecurities about his race and marriage, sowing seeds of doubt that ultimately result in the death of Desdemona and Othello's own downfall. The play is renowned for its exploration of racial and cultural issues, as well as its nuanced portrayal of human nature and the complexities of love and trust.
Platonic Dialogues
Platonic Dialogues
null
Plato
The Platonic dialogues are a collection of philosophical works attributed to Plato, featuring Socrates as the central figure. These dialogues explore a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, metaphysics, and epistemology. They are known for their engaging narrative style, employing dramatic irony and dialectical methods to explore complex philosophical questions. The dialogues offer insights into Socrates' method of inquiry, his views on virtue and knowledge, and the nature of reality. They have had a profound impact on Western philosophy, shaping the course of intellectual history and inspiring countless interpretations and analyses. The dialogues' enduring relevance lies in their exploration of fundamental questions about human existence and the pursuit of truth.
Oedipus
John Dryden
Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" is a classic Greek tragedy that explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of hubris. Oedipus, the king of Thebes, unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. The play unfolds as Oedipus investigates the plague that has struck Thebes, ultimately uncovering his own terrible past. The play's dramatic irony and Oedipus's descent from power are hallmarks of Greek tragedy. The play raises profound questions about human responsibility and the limits of human knowledge. Its enduring popularity stems from its exploration of universal themes of guilt, fate, and self-discovery.
Rebecca
Daphne du Maurier
Published in 1938, 'Rebecca' is a classic Gothic suspense novel by Daphne du Maurier. The story follows a young, unnamed narrator who meets and marries Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower, in Monte Carlo. Upon returning to his ancestral estate, Manderley, she finds herself haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. The novel explores themes of jealousy, psychological realism, and the struggle between the living and the dead. As the narrator navigates her new life, she uncovers dark secrets about Rebecca's past and the true nature of her death, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful climax[2][3][5].
Leon Kass
Leon Kass
null
Leon Kass
Penetrating Analyses of Plato and Aristotle
Penetrating Analyses of Plato and Aristotle
null
Rana Berger
Mayor Soloveitchik's 15-minute Bible thing
Mayor Soloveitchik's 15-minute Bible thing
null
Joseph B. Soloveitchik
David Dauber
David Dauber
null
David Dauber
Maimonides
Maimonides
null
Maimonides
Maimonides, also known as Moses Maimonides, was a prolific scholar and philosopher who lived in the 12th century. His most famous work, Mishneh Torah, is a comprehensive codification of Jewish law, aiming to clarify and systematize Halakha. He also wrote Guide for the Perplexed, a philosophical treatise that bridges faith and reason, addressing the challenges of reconciling religious beliefs with Aristotelian philosophy. His contributions to Jewish thought, law, and medicine have had a lasting impact, shaping Jewish intellectual life for centuries. His writings continue to be studied and debated, offering insights into the complexities of faith, reason, and the human condition.
Republic
Republic
null
Plato
Plato's Republic is one of his most famous works, a philosophical dialogue exploring justice, ideal societies, and the nature of reality. It features the allegory of the cave, a powerful metaphor for the limitations of human perception and the pursuit of knowledge. The dialogue delves into various forms of government, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately advocating for a philosopher-king to rule the ideal state. The Republic also examines the tripartite soul, proposing that reason, spirit, and appetite must be harmonized for individual and societal well-being. Its enduring influence on political philosophy and ethics makes it a cornerstone of Western thought.
Chance, Providence, Prudence on the Book of Esther
Chance, Providence, Prudence on the Book of Esther
null
Rana Berger
Mordecai
Emily Bingham
Xerxes
Xerxes
a tragedy
Colley Cibber
Haman
Haman
Adam J. Silverstein
Vashti
Vashti
Augusta J. Evans
Today, as Jews celebrate the holiday of Purim, they’ll also study the book of Esther, named for the young queen whose Jewish identity was unknown to her husband—Persia's king—and his court. The book of Esther tells the story of how she and her cousin Mordechai outwitted the king's second-in-command, the vizier Haman, who sought to destroy the Persian Jews. Beloved among children and adults, the story has also been read by some as a manual for Jewish political survival in the Diaspora.
Ronna Burger of Tulane University, a professor of philosophy, also sees in Esther a commentary on the sources of human success: do humans accomplish their aims through sheer luck, divine help, or careful decision-making? In conversation with Mosaic’s editor Jonathan Silver, she walks through Esther, demonstrating how each of these elements—chance, providence, and prudence—emerge from the biblical text.