Some people say that history never repeats itself. Then some people point to similarities between the stories of Meghan Markle and Queen Vashti. Then some people say, “That doesn’t count as history repeating itself because Queen Vashti is made-up.” Then it all gets a bit complicated.
Regardless, recently-discovered genizah fragments show how readers of an ancient Persian publication, Do’ar Yomi (which roughly translates as “daily mail”), reacted to the news that Vashti was to leave the palace of King Ahasuerus.
Coronavirus latest
This Purim will be a lot easier in many ways, because everyone is already wearing masks! Brilliant bonus!
Anyway, as anyone who’s suffered through the Book of Leviticus will know, there’s lots to say about infectious diseases. And fortunately enough, a newly-recovered page from the Hubei Genizah reveals what the rabbis wrote in the lost Talmudic tractate of Virusin. Click below to read!
In other Purim news
- John Bercow sets out his vision for what would be the highest honour in the land, only to see it go to someone else instead
- Beauty contest to select new leader of the Labour Party
- EHRC to investigate King Ahasuerus’s hareem
- Board of Deputies raises concerns that Haman’s scheme to slaughter thousands means employers may have to pay workers more money
Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber 
Good to see the spirit of Purim is alive and well – and that likes exceed the naysayers