If you think the Scroll of Esther is simply telling an ancient story, think again. Queen Esther fought hard to be sure that all of her descendants would hear her timeless story. The Scroll of Esther is her last lecture to us and is especially timely today.
Esther is whispering to you: Hear my story and know that it will give you strength to endure.
As in the days of Esther, Jews are facing an enemy who wants to destroy, murder, and exterminate them. This is not a new threat; just read the words of the Purim story to recognize that this danger to the Jewish people has been around for thousands of years. Every generation has its evil Haman. His children hate you for enduring, for not disappearing, despite their sinister plans. Whether in the city of Shushan, the gas chambers of Europe, or in Israel, your presence does not allow them to rest. They don’t care what type of Jew you are, if you attend synagogue or not, the size kippah on your head, or the level of observance you keep. To them, you are simply a “Yehud” – a dirty Jew.
Unfortunately, there are those amongst the Jewish nation who stand up and renounce their Judaism, as Hollywood applauds. They turn their back on their people, revise Jewish history, and align with those who wish to throw the Jews into the sea. They refuse to see the ocean of tears or the blood-soaked ground that give testimony to the suffering of the Jewish people. This is the ultimate vandalism to the murdered souls that call out and ask you to remember – to the men, women, and babies who have been violated and slaughtered.
I, who was born upon the ashes of the Holocaust, tremble at the thought of this unashamed desecration of those who gave their lives because they were Jews. The cries of our brothers rise from the ground. There is no peace.
When Esther is asked to enter the king’s chambers and plead for her people, she responds that it is not possible. She is afraid for her life. Mordechai responds, “And who knows? Maybe it was just for a time like this that you became queen!”
Every person has his or her “Esther moment” – your personal mission that can propel you to rise above the enmity and make a difference for your nation. Esther is begging you to think: Why are you here? What can you do for the Jewish People? Do not discount the smallest acts, the seemingly insignificant mitzvah. Do not take your voice for granted. Do something! Wake up!
It’s easy to grow fatigued, to wonder how this story will end. But Esther reassures you: Do not be afraid. See all that I have gone through. I had no idea that I, an orphan, would become the queen who would help bring the rescue of our nation. You must never give up. Remain strong. Remember, division weakens you. Haman said it himself. “There is a people who are scattered and divided, spread out in all the countries of your kingdom.” When he saw our fragmented society, he knew he had a chance to bring his evil plans to life. It is, sadly, the same story today.
In unity, there is strength. In prayer, there is hope.
Jewish unity is required for our nation’s survival. Esther concludes her megillah with a request that Jews honor this day of Purim and send gifts of food to each other. Esther wanted to foster friendship amongst her children continuously. She wanted us to reach out to every type of Jew. She asked that you extend your hand and open your heart.
This Purim, take a moment to hear the words of Esther. Set aside time for prayer. Plead for your people. Think of those who are hurting; the wounded in both spirit and limb. Think of their pain. Reach out to your neighbors, your friends, and your community with love. Bring joy into the world. With just a little bit of your light, you can push away the darkness.
RABBI PINCHAS WINSTON
SLOVIE JUNGREIS-WOLFF
FROM AISH.COM
