Purim and Destiny - with Rachel Goldberg Polin
Podcast: Call Me Back - with Dan SenorPublished On: Thu Feb 26 2026
Description: Please take 5 minutes to fill out Ark Media’s LISTENER SURVEY ____ Rachel Goldberg-Polin joins Dan for a Purim special to explain why this is possibly the most misunderstood holiday in Jewish tradition. Rather than simply a fun masquerade for kids, Purim presents a profound meditation on hiddenness, courage, and stepping into one’s moment. Rachel walks Dan through the Book of Esther, unpacks its drama and philosophical depth, and explores why a story where God is never mentioned may be the most relevant text for a confusing, fractured age. In this episode: - The world of Persia and the backstory to Purim - Vashti, Esther, and the making of a queen - Haman, Amalek, and the logic of antisemitism - “For such a time as this” and the Esther moment - Where is God in a story without God? - Masks, hiddenness, and the illusion of randomness - Unity, generosity, and the mitzvot of Purim - Discovering your purpose when no one summons you More Ark Media: Subscribe to Inside Call me Back Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What’s Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer’s book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo
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