JewsByChoice.Org

The story of Purim as accounted in the Megillah Esther is a story of strength and a struggle against adversity. The curious thing about this story is that HaShem is not mentioned. However, HaShem is working behind the scenes – as seen in chapter 5, verse 4 – “let the king and Haman come today” (יוא המלך והמן היום) which contains HaShem’s Name - yud, hey, vav, hey). Even though we as Jews by choice may have felt (or even experienced) HaShem, HaShem also worked behind the scenes. Can you remember what pulled you toward Judaism? Was it someone who you were involved with – or maybe married to? Was it the focus on tikkun olam or maybe the focus on education and family? Was it simple curiosity? In all of these things, HaShem may have been “hidden” but HaShem was present.

What doe the story of Purim mean for us Jews by choice? How do we fit into this story and its main characters?

King Ahasuerus celebrated with his allies for what he believed to be a victory over the prophecy of the freedom of the Jews from exile - but through the acts of Mordechai, Esther, and HaShem, his heart was softened and he eventually saved the Jews. How many of us have family and friends who feel superior to the Jews (or at least religious Jews)? These same people ask “Why would you want to be one of them?” As they learn that, given the chance, we will not reject them or deny them – their hearts have softened. They become more willing to listen to us. At least some of these family members and friends have hearts who softened as King Ahasuerus’ heart did and they help us to defend ourselves as Jews by choice.

Haman, the evil descendant of Amalek, was the adversary of the Jews. Haman was an egotistical, hate-filled person who was made viceroy and used his position in an attempt to slaughter the Jews of the kingdom. As Jews by choice, we must be aware of the Hamans in the world. We all have people in our lives who will reject us and wish harm upon us because we call ourselves Jews. As Jews, we are commanded to destroy Amalek and his (physical and spiritual) descendants. As Jews by choice, we have cast our lots (purim) with the Jewish people.

Mordechai was amongst the exiled Jews in Shushan who was the cousin and adoptive father of Esther. Through his cunning and his faith, he was able to stop the slaughter of the Jews and hold a high position (viceroy) in the kingdom. We as Jews by choice are considered to be parent-less just like Esther and we need to ensure that we find our Mordechai – someone who will rear us in the ways of Judaism and someone who will protect us in our Jewish infancy. Mordechai sets an example for us Jews by choice – we must make sure that we do not stand idly by why our brothers’ and sisters’ blood is spilled. We must find ways to help avert catastrophe for the Jewish people for they are our people too.

Esther became the Queen of King Ahasuerus’ kingdom but she did not forget her people. She was strong enough and had enough faith that she pleaded for her people and was able to save the Jews. We as Jews by choice have become part of a priestly nation but we must never forget where we came from as gentiles. We are part of the Jewish people who are to be Lights unto the Nations and having come from the Nations, we must most certainly shine bright to those without Torah. We must also stand by our adoptive people and help to ensure their survival – both physically and spiritually.

The story of Purim holds an abundance of information for the Jew by choice if we only look beyond the simple textual meaning.