Joy is important in our journey no matter what the situation. That’s the case in the Hebrew month of Adar when we celebrate Purim*. However, it’s not always easy amidst trying times. I wonder about an inner struggle you have, one that makes you consider taking a stand to step forward in leadership when you might be terrified. When have you felt called to something so big, so important, you hesitate—understandably, depending on the situation?
This was Esther’s dilemma. She was a Jew in the Persian empire during the 5th Century BCE. We learn of Queen Esther in the Megillah, the story we tell during the holiday of Purim. Esther hides her Jewish identity when, as the most beautiful woman in the land of Shushan, today Shush in Iran, she is chosen as Queen for King Achaverosh, a not very bright ruler. Haman, the Prime Minister and an advisor to the king, was a xenophobe and determined to rid the place of the Jews.
He chose the day by lot, and the King signed the decree Haman presented to him to accomplish that goal. Yet the King didn’t pay attention to what he was signing. Mordechai, the Queen’s cousin, informed Esther so she could take action and save her people. This meant going before her husband without having been called. Esther could lose her life in doing so. On the other hand, her presence in front of him could save her and the Jewish people. Esther’s dilemma and choice transform her and she is saved and the Jewish people victoriously defend themselves.
A Purim Song
The lyrics of a Purim song may help us understand the essence of Esther’s role and the Purim story. One verse says this: “In a place you may have heard about, in Shushan, as you know, an evil man named Haman said, “The Jews have got to go.” Now Esther was the Jewish queen, and she knew not where to turn ‘til Mordechai, her cousin said, “There is something you must learn. Oh, Esther, “You can change the world. You can make the world complete. Take the pride you feel inside and never accept defeat.” It’s a tall order for Esther. Perhaps this was the mission she was born for by becoming queen. Make the world complete? Rabbi Tarfon, a prominent 2nd-century sage, said, “It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” Esther could serve God and her life’s mission by stepping into the task of speaking up for herself and the good of the Jewish people.
When we empower ourselves to step into a leadership role with an important task, we don’t know what the outcome will be. We may inspire others; we may change the course of humankind. Esther’s mission became clear after her cousin Mordechai told her of the decree to murder the Jews. Initially she resisted to saying, “Yes.” Esther was afraid. However, she changed her mind. She initiated assistance in her task. She asked the community to fast and pray for three days, knowing when she went before the King without being invited, he could have her killed. Esther chose chutzpah, courage, and leadership, a role she initially shunned, she balanced her fear with her position as Queen to be able to step forward and save her people.
Esther could serve God and her life’s mission by stepping into the task of speaking up for herself and the good of the Jewish people.
What does Purim mean now?
As we process the trauma of this story, it ends with the Jews able to defend themselves against death. We celebrate Purim with joy, raucous shpiels, plays, about Esther’s story, humor and jovial elements. We are commanded to listen, to hear the story of Esther, with costumes, silliness, noise makers, and eating Hamantaschen, cookie pastries with sweet fillings, representing Haman’s hat or ears. We are not to know good from evil, and we are to wonder how we overcame such challenges. Alcohol may add to the confusion of the joy of survival with the other possible end. Before the celebrations, we are to fast and then have a festive meal. In gratitude, we also give bags of food to those we know and those less fortunate, and give tzedakah, monetary donations, to help those in need. Above all, we want justice to prevail.
In Esther’s story, God is hidden from us. Yet central is the belief in a power greater than ourselves. Other faiths identify this One as Allah, Father, Brahman, the Great Spirit, and more. Because of hiddenness, we had to draw on even greater strength and hope. When intense fear and evil co-exist, hope becomes essential to our survival and actions. We want to trust good will prevail even in the most frightening times which may prompt us to become activists to facilitate change for good.
May you know your strength and when you don’t may you gently learn you have even more than you know. When called may you have the courage to step forward into leadership. Know all people have a right to live, thrive, and experience justice. And even if the one you believe in seems hidden, keep seeking and striving to the spiritual path that will guide you safely, holding hope in your heart, life, actions, and joy.
*Purim refers to the lots which Haman drew to foretell the day the Jews would be murdered, Adar 14.
– Rabbi Yonina
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