Facing the Ending of Esther Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg Mar 21, 2024 • 6 min read This Kuridsh plaque containing two key verses about Mordechai, Esther's uncle, around the edges, and in the center, a piyyut/liturgical hymn called "Tnu Shira" authored by the poet Japheth Benaiah. It begins, “Give song and chant, treasured people, /to God supernal, and read the Megillah.” It is customary to recite this Iranian Kurdish Jewish community before the chanting of Esther. You can hear a new melody for it here (both the composer and I were unable to find a traditional melody); full Hebrew words here.