The original Purim story took place more than 2000 years ago, but Mordechai and Esther are back in the news – and the place where it is happening is none other than ancient Persia, today known as Iran. For centuries Iran had a thriving Jewish community. A shrine in the city of Hamadan where, according to tradition, Mordechai and Esther are buried, is a popular place to visit throughout the year, especially on Purim day. Although there is some disagreement as to whether the tomb is in fact the gravesite of these biblical heroes, Hamadan, known in antiquity as Ecbatana, is in the Kurdish region of Iran and Mount Alvand,
