Ancient Courage and Modern Identity: A Purim Reflection
I told myself I wasn't going to reflect on Esther for Purim and Women's History Month, yet here we are. Buckle up!
Each week of Women’s History Month, I’ve been profiling an inspiring Jewish woman. Earlier this week, now that Purim is upon us (for a refresher on this fun and meaningful holiday read my old post Purim 101), I told myself, “Don’t write about Esther this week. It’s too cliché, don’t do it!!” I had other women in mind - don’t worry, I still include them in the links below - though I couldn’t help but draw parallels between what Esther did for the Jewish people 2,000 years ago and what Jews today can do for themselves and fellow Jews amid rampant antisemitism. Side note: I don’t like to say ‘rising’ antisemitism. Just like Jesus for some and unlike bread on Passover for us, it has risen. It’s here. And we must find a way to overcome it.
But first, here’s me in my costume at our work Purim party this week. Can you guess what I am?! (Hint: Pretend the Chumash is a Torah. There’s a bag of flour in my other hand.) For the reveal, follow me on Instagram at @theshabbatdrop.
In the Purim story, Esther concealed her Jewish identity, including her real Hebrew name, Hadassah, in the Persian court. She did this to protect herself amid tensions between the Jews and the Persians, and so that King Ahasuerus would choose her to be his wife. Purim fact: I recently learned the name Esther comes from the Hebrew astir meaning “I will hide.”
Similarly, in our modern world (still) fraught with antisemitism, many of us feel compelled to conceal aspects of our Jewish identity for fear of prejudice and discrimination.
Since October 7th, I’ve had friends wonder if they too should conceal their identities. They’ve thought of removing their mezuzah from their doorpost, or changing their name to a “goy name” on Uber to hide the fact that they have a Jewish name (Comment below with what your goy name would be!), or just… blend in.
Esther eventually summoned the courage to reveal her true identity to King Ahasuerus. It was out of urgency and desperation, because it was when she learned of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people. Mordechai urged her to do so, and to plead with the king to spare her people. She did, and he did, ultimately leading to the downfall of Haman and the salvation of the Jewish community. Now let’s party!
Esther’s courageous act reminds me of the bravery required to assert our Jewishness openly in today's world. Whether it involves keeping your mezuzah up as a declaration of living in a Jewish home, or telling a room full of non-Jews proudly, “I am a Jewish professional” knowing it might lead to some uncomfortable questions, you are making a Jewish choice that could have tremendous effects on both Jews and non-Jews. By revealing your Jewishness to the world, you could inspire other Jews to do the same, which in turns tells our enemies that we’re not going anywhere. I might even be so bold to say this act could save the Jewish people. This is our urgent moment to reveal our true identity, our greatest pride.
This Purim, think of ways you could reveal your Jewishness, one small courageous act at a time. And give to the poor!
Other ways to reveal your Judaism, if you feel comfortable to do so:
Display other Jewish symbols proudly, like a Magen David necklace (Read Melanie’s Drop ‘I know we will overcome this’ for inspo!)
Join or start a Jewish affinity group in your workplace
Speak Hebrew loudly in public - if you’re Sephardic or from Long Island this shouldn’t be hard
Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach,
Interesting links about Jewish women in history
10 Jewish Women From History You Should’ve Learned About in School
How one wedding dress came to symbolize the strength of more than 2,000 Jewish women
A Millenium of Jewish Women’s Voices - an interactive map of Jewish history
My understanding is that Esther -- while perhaps retroactively or secretly having a Jewish meaning -- is basically from the god Ishtar. It's an assimilative name designed to protect her
I have been advised by my rabbi, my lawyer and my wife not to make any comment on Jewish women of the past or the present except to say they are all marvelous.