A Timeless Diaspora Story

The Book of Esther is a diaspora story. Written by Jews who were under Persian or Greek rule, it reveals an acute awareness of the uncertainties and insecurities of a community that preserves its unique identity, yet asserts its presence as a strong minority. Haman was truly the first antisemite. He trafficked in conspiracy theories:

“There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws; and it is not in Your Majesty’s interest to tolerate them. If it pleases Your Majesty, let an edict be drawn for their destruction.” (Esther 3:8-9)

Drawing on the ignorance of the king and the presumed ease of defaming the Jews with unfounded innuendo, Haman easily manipulates the buffoonish Ahasuerus into executing his plan. The story’s ridicule extends to the Persian nation, itself which is said to have laws that can never be reversed once issued (in reality an impossibility for any government) – but yet, the Jews are trapped by the idiocy of bad governance.

The eternal truth of Purim is that we know this tune. The unthinkable becomes reality, the antisemites deceive the ignorant into believing their lies. Now, in our days, we feel antisemitism’s resurgence. I’ve spoken to so many of you who find yourself astounded by the harmful actions and words that malign the Jewish people and Israel. The inherent sadness of antisemitism’s pervasiveness is something that even the frivolity of Purim can’t fully transcend. And yet, we are here, we have been reading the story for thousands of years, and despite the evil rhetoric in our world, we will celebrate Purim (as well as all the Jewish holidays). And that is another truth in Purim’s timelessness: antisemitism ebbs and surges and at times it feels overwhelming, but ultimately, we are stronger and we will do more than endure, we will thrive. The spirit of Esther and the inspiration of Mordechai are within us.

–Rabbi Ron Stern