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How old was Esther when she was selected by Achashveirosh? I am familiar with the Yalkut (Esther 2:8) which offers ages up to 80 and seems to settle on 74/75 the numerical value of Haddasah, however this seems preposterous to be taken literally. Therefore I am looking other authoritative sources for her age.

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Bereishit Rabbah 39:13 (39:4 in some edition) brings a machloket Rav and Shemuel if Esther was 40 or 80 years old respectively. According to the opinion of the Rabbanan, she was 75 years old.

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  • that's pretty old to be the consort of the king
    – not-allowed to change my name
    Commented Dec 18, 2012 at 1:18
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    @Ariel Well, the Bavli says she was married to Mordochai.
    – Double AA ♦
    Commented Dec 18, 2012 at 16:05
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    Look in the Gra, mikol hanashim means they started taking married women
    – LN6595
    Commented Mar 13, 2019 at 12:21
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    @doniel megillah 15a, who said old isn't beautiful?
    – Double AA ♦
    Commented Mar 13, 2019 at 12:44
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    @DonielF Maybe Achashveirosh needed glasses. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spectacles_(short_story)
    – user6591
    Commented Mar 13, 2019 at 14:18

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