Episode 687: 
In this episode, we dive into Esther chapter 2, where King Xerxes, after regretting his decision to banish Queen Vashti, seeks to find a new queen. His attendants suggest a search for beautiful young virgins throughout the empire, leading to a beauty contest of sorts. We are introduced to Mordecai, a Jewish man in Susa, and his beautiful cousin, Esther, whom he adopts after her parents die. Esther is brought into the king's harem, where she receives special treatment and beauty preparations.