The book of Esther, the basis for the Jewish festival of Purim, is a literary creation, but it is set in a historical time and place. Esther and her uncle Mordecai are the offspring of the people who stayed after Cyrus of Persia ended the exile of the People of God. The book of Esther tells a story of reversal  but we have chosen in this telling to focus on Esther’s kindness and courage rather than the vengeance that is often emphasized. Although God is never mentioned in the book, it is clear that God’s hand is directing Esther’s rise to royal power “for such a time as this.”