Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2000 23:52:44 -0400 (EDT)
From: Russell Hendel <  rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Re: Queen Vashti

QUESTION: Is there any truth to the story that Vashti (Achashvayros wife)
had a tail and pimples?


ANSWER:
Yes..The Targum Sheni an aramaic commentary on Ester mentions that Vashti
has a tail (This Targum is available in English). The sages say that the
tail was a punishment for her making Jewish women work naked. Most people
are unaware that Vashti's tail is connected with Ester 1:12--her refusal to
appear before the King. The sages say that while they were drunk the King
said that Persian women are the most beautiful (and others disagreed So the
King ordered Vashti to appear naked before everybody (To prove his point).
However because of her tail she was 'embarrassed' and did not appear.

Happy Purim, Passover and Shavuoth
Russell Jay Hendel; Phd ASA; RHendel@Towson.Edu
Moderator Rashi is Simple, http://www.shamash.org/rashi/