And Mordekhai Would Not Bow

Mordekhai's refusal to prostrate before Haman is the key to the plot of the Megilah - if he doesn't refuse, there is no decree, no Purim - and no Megilat Esther. Yet Mordekhai's actions are enigmatic and appear to have no justification. We will explore the various suggestions raised over the millenia to explain his refusal - and suggest another one.