אסתאר

Astar is an ancient and fascinating feminine name, representing an archaic and unique variation of the more familiar name Esther. The name carries deep layers of cultural, historical, and spiritual meaning, connecting Jewish tradition with ancient Near Eastern cultures. Its roots extend back to Akkadian and Babylonian mythology, where the goddess Ishtar or Ashtar appears - the goddess of love, fertility, war, and the heavens. This goddess was central to Mesopotamian mythology, and her influence spread across many Middle Eastern cultures, including the Phoenicians, Canaanites, and Semitic peoples. The form Astar preserves the more original Aramaic-Akkadian pronunciation of the name, indicating a direct connection to ancient cultural roots. In Jewish tradition, the name Astar is inseparably linked to the figure of Queen Esther, the heroine of the Book of Esther and symbol of Purim salvation. Esther, who was an orphan raised under the care of her uncle Mordechai, became Queen of Persia and Media and succeeded through her courage, wisdom, and beauty in saving the Jewish people from the genocidal decree planned by Haman the Agagite. The name Astar, in its archaic form, emphasizes the dual dimension of this character - on one hand, a connection to the Persian world and the multicultural environment in which she lived, and on the other hand, deep loyalty to her Jewish identity and her people. The name expresses the ability to navigate between worlds, to maintain an internal identity while integrating into a foreign and challenging environment. Choosing the form Astar indicates a desire to emphasize the ancient and authentic roots of the name, giving it a deeper historical and cultural dimension. In Talmudic and Midrashic literature, Esther is described as a woman with exceptional qualities - inner and outer beauty, political wisdom, spiritual courage, and the ability to influence her surroundings. The sages discussed extensively the meaning of her name, also connecting it to the word "hester" - concealment, alluding to her ability to hide her true identity until the right moment. The name Astar, in its unique form, adds a dimension of antiquity and mystery, connecting us to deeper layers of collective cultural memory. Women bearing this name are often perceived as having a special presence, emotional depth, connection to ancient roots, and the ability to bridge different worlds. The name conveys a sense of uniqueness, intellectual independence, and connection to a rich spiritual heritage that combines both Jewish and universal elements.

אֶסְתָּאָר

Astar | Estar | Estaר

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Esther 2:16 - So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month of Tevet, in the seventh year of his reign

In Kabbalah, the name Astar symbolizes the hidden dimension of divinity, the divine feminine power that operates behind the veil. The name is connected to the Sefirah of Malchut and the Shekhinah, representing divine presence in the physical world. Astar expresses the principle of concealment and revelation - the ability to hide divine light in order to operate in the material world, while simultaneously maintaining inner connection to the source. The name carries energy of spiritual fertility, feminine creativity, and the ability to bridge heaven and earth.

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אסתר | הדסה | שושנה