Hadassah, Mordechai and Haman’s decree

1. 1Distinguish a name from its interpretation
2. 2Trace concealed identity
3. 3Connect Bigtan and Teresh to later events

The Gemara discusses Mordechai’s ancestry, raising Esther, uncovering the plot and Haman’s lot. Rabbi Yehuda connects Esther’s name to concealment.

Study question: how does Rabbi Yehuda explain the names Hadassah and Esther?

The baraita presents different interpretations of the names. Rabbi Yehuda says her name was Hadassah and that she was called Esther because she concealed her identity and did not reveal her people.