Megilla 13 On Names and Embellishment

We continue to learn the interpretations of our Sages as they study the words of Megillat Esther.  They examine names at the start of amud (a), noting why particular names suited particular people. When they look at Esther, they note that her full name is Hadassah.  This name could reflect multiple traits.  

It is notable that our Sages add tremendous colour to the narrative of the Megilla.  They introduce full, detailed conversations between Haman and King Achashverosh, for example.  Each story is accepted (or put aside in favour of another story) and it becomes part of the larger narrative.

As a child, I did not learn the Megilla separate from some of these commentaries.  For example, Queen Vashti did not come to her husband to show off her beauty, dressed in her royal crown.  I learned that Queen Vashti was in fact wearing only her crown, and she refused to dance naked for the King and his guests.  This interpretation of nakedness is not in the actual Megilla; it is an embellishment suggested by our Sages to explain why Vashti did not follow her husband's rule.  Vashti is thus perceived as somehow lude, even though she does not wish to participate in the King's pride-filled game.  

Much of what I have been hoping to learn in these studies is the difference between Torah text and Gemara.  When my education is as limited as it has been, it is too difficult to imagine sorting through halacha from one law to the next.  Instead, delving into Talmud allows me to recognize what has been taught based on Gemara, on Torah law, and on minhag, or custom.  An invaluable lesson!

Today's daf also covers Achashverosh's choice of Esther, her actions upon entering Achashverosh's community, the notion of G-d noticing people's righteousness through modest behaviour by our foremothers, and Haman's first interactions with Achashverosh regarding denigrating the Jewish people.