I am excited to explore this not-so-well-known topic together with the class!
In this first of the three sessions. we will study sources that provide background, to be able to understand from the perspective of the sages in the Talmud and midrashim, what happened, and didn’t happen, during the reign of Ahashverosh with respect to the project of rebuilding the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem.
I have provided sources here for your convenience. You are welcome to look them over in advance.