New Books Network Adam Silverstein, "Haman" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Dec 5, 2025
Adam Silverstein, a Professor of Islamic studies at the Hebrew University, delves into the complex figure of Haman from the book of Esther. He explores Haman's historical basis, tracing his evolution across Abrahamic religious traditions. Silverstein discusses how varying interpretations of Haman in Christianity and Islam illuminate interfaith relations and polemics. He analyzes the significance of Haman's portrayal in Purim customs and the broader implications of his narrative throughout history, revealing how this villain has both united and divided communities.
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Haman As A Comparative Lens
- Haman functions as a comparative case across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to study interreligious interaction.
- Adam Silverstein uses Haman to trace shared textual receptions across Abrahamic traditions.
'Real' Depends On Perspective
- The historical reality of Haman depends on what 'real' means and who you ask.
- Silverstein treats Haman as based on historical figures but heavily reshaped by later traditions.
Esther's Core Plot And Purim
- Esther's core plot is a Persian court intrigue where Mordecai and Esther foil Haman's genocidal plot.
- The outcome institutes Purim and embeds Haman as the central antagonist in Jewish memory.
