Translation as Storyteller: A Study of The Book of Esther

Abstract

The oral qualities of the Hebrew Bible diminished over time as it was written down and codified. This paper examines one book of the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Esther, and how translations shape its use. This book is particularly interesting to the storyteller because the Book of Esther is still recited as a story as part of the Jewish festival of Purim. Since the requirements of the festival include the recitation of this story, the book’s translation influences the celebration significantly. The ultimate point of this paper is to highlight the importance of the storyteller in the translation process.