How old was Esther?

Question

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.

Chaim · Accepted Answer · 2019-03-13 11:08:58Z

10

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.

edited Mar 13 '19 at 11:08

Chaim

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answered Dec 17 '12 at 17:06

Double AA♦

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that's pretty old to be the consort of the king – not-allowed to change my name Dec 18 '12 at 1:18
Why did she stay unmarried for so long? – Ariel Dec 18 '12 at 10:46
1

@Ariel Well, the Bavli says she was married to Mordochai. – Double AA♦ Dec 18 '12 at 16:05
1

Look in the Gra, mikol hanashim means they started taking married women – LN6595 Mar 13 '19 at 12:21
1

@DonielF Maybe Achashveirosh needed glasses. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spectacles_(short_story) – user6591 Mar 13 '19 at 14:18

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