Naomi Jacobs will be offering a short course using Maccabees 3, a story from the Apocrypha, as a text for “The Other Purim-type Story: How God Saves the Jews of Egypt from Elephant-trampling.” Maccabees 3 is a story that predates Maccabees 1 and 2; telling the story of the Jews of Egypt under Ptolemy IV Philopator. While most Jews know the story of Purim, few are aware of a similar story of redemption from death that is set in Alexandria and also features a feast of celebration. Unlike the Book of Esther, however, God intervenes directly, sparing both Jews and innocent elephants from a terrible fate.  Participants will read through this text with commentary and a rich discussion featuring historical context.  

This course will be offered in four sessions from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning May 1, at CAJE (in the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building), 12 Millstone Campus Drive. Tuition for the course is $40; text materials will be provided.  For confidential scholarship information or to inquire about this course please call Cyndee Levy at 314-442-3754 or [email protected].