Unthinkable Reversals Reflected in Purim’s Theme

I sat down to write this piece in mid-January, then deleted it and started repeating the same process several times over the course of the following week. Why would I do such a thing? Because the realities of our world changed at such a rapid pace that even within a few days, my original idea for this column no longer seemed as relevant.

Such are the times we live in. Information is available at the click of a button and that data is rapidly changing, often in significant and impactful ways. How fitting that rapid and unpredictable upheaval happens to be a major part of the Book of Esther, which we will read in mid-March for the festival of Purim.

The story begins with King Achashverus celebrating at a wild party; apparently snubbed by his wife, the king instantly removes her as queen and initiates a process to find her replacement. Esther, a secret Jew, is chosen to be the next queen, but no sooner is she ensconced than we learn that Haman has risen to unprecedented power in the king’s court. When Esther’s uncle nonviolently resists Haman’s autocratic rulings — staying true to his values and beliefs, no matter the cost, by not bowing to Haman — Haman decides to retaliate against all Jews.

Haman advises the king to eliminate the Jews of Shushan because their laws are alien and it’s not in the king’s interests to tolerate them. Haman’s reaction is quick, abrupt, irrational and sweeping; he blames the entirety of a people for one person’s actions that he found objectionable. He incites fear among those who blindly listen to him by saying, “There is a certain people, whose laws are different …. and who do not obey the king’s laws”  (Esther 3:8).

Irrationally fearing people who are different, not in a way that is harmful to society but rather because their traditions and laws are alien to the majority. Haman makes a radical pronouncement, ignoring opportunities for discussion, understanding and conciliation.

How quickly things change as Haman’s plot is uncovered thanks to the bravery of Esther, who reveals her Jewish identity to the king in informing him of Haman’s plans. The king responds swiftly by deposing Haman and honoring Mordecai. Mordecai finds himself parading around the city on the horse meant for Haman; he’s celebrated by all the residents of Shushan.

These moments from the Megillah remind us to be vigilant in our times because unthinkable reversals can happen quickly and without warning. Yet, it is not enough to be vigilant to ensure that minorities aren’t unfairly persecuted by irrational orders from an executive in power. As Jews, we must fight for the values that underlie this vigilance.

One of the ways we strive to do this is by recalling, and then living, the values of Esther, Mordecai and the Jews of Shushan at this time of year. Listening to the Megillah reading reminds us a central theme of the book is the reversal of our destiny through decisive but nonviolent actions by individuals. Haman is representative of the existential threats to the Jewish people. The threat is resolved through the bold and brave actions of individuals who stand up in the face of evil, both those in positions of privilege, such as Esther and Mordecai, as well as ordinary Jews.

Through our festive meal, we step out of our day-to-day challenges and try to experience the joy of celebrating our unique traditions as if we were the Jews saved in Shushan. Even in challenging times, life must be lived to its fullest and celebrated at every moment possible. May each of us be inspired by the lesson of Esther and Mordecai to reach beyond our inner needs to celebrate what we have and to leave a positive and concrete difference in society around us. Doing so will not only honor our traditions, but also ensure we blot out modern-day Hamans as well. Chag Sameach.

Rabbi Moshe Schwartz is the head of school at the Krieger Schechter Day School in Pikesville, where he is more often than not dressed in costume.

 

 

 

 

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