When I was a kid, I used to love to dress up as Queen Esther for the holiday of Purim. I don’t think I really understood how courageous she really was. And I never understood how incredible Queen Vashti was.
Queen Vashti, the first character introduced in the story, displayed remarkable courage and leadership when she refused to follow the King’s orders, which she found degrading. Wanting to impress his guest with his wealth and beautiful wife, he orders her to display herself wearing only her royal crown. Women were expected to follow the decisions of their husbands and not complain (still going on today). She said “no way!”
Because of her actions, she was banished (possibly executed) and lost her position as Queen. In an act unheard of at the time, she modeled standing up for herself, even at great personal risk, King Achashverosh then arranged a beauty pageant to find a new queen. Encouraged by her uncle Mordechai, a Jewish girl named Esther reluctantly entered and won the contest and became the new queen, but she hid her nationality.
Meanwhile, the Jew-hating Haman was appointed Prime Minister of the Empire. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews, refused to bow to Haman, which was in defiance of the royal decree. Haman was furious, and he persuaded the King to issue a decree ordering the destruction of all the Jews.
Mordechai urged Esther to confront the King and inform him of Haman’s plans. Esther, although reluctant at first for fear of her life, agreed. As a woman, she was essentially powerless, but by using her beauty, charm, and intelligence, and by courageously taking a great risk, she revealed her Jewish identity to the King and accused Haman of attempting to destroy her people.
Haman was hanged, Mordechai was appointed Prime Minister in his stead, and a new decree was issued, granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies.
Let us celebrate the Esthers and Vashtis of today: women who speak out because they know it is the right thing to do; who identify suffering and bring it to the public eye; who commit to awareness and education. We honor those who take risks and put themselves on the line.
There are two traditions central to the observance of Purim:
1. Giving money to the poor
2. Giving gifts to our neighbors.
The intention is to build community and connection - and create a spirit of generosity and responsibility.
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Until next time,
Barbara
