by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Jackie Mason once quipped that Jews aren’t very intimidating physically. As Mason put it, “Let’s be honest, did you ever see anybody who was afraid to walk into a Jewish neighborhood because he might get killed by an accountant?”
With all due respect to Mr. Mason, it’s quite a generalization to make about an entire People. There are plenty of Jews who are physically intimidating. Have you ever heard of Bill Goldberg, the professional wrestler? And there are Jewish soldiers, police officers, and boxers (including my friend from Omaha, Bruce “The Mouse” Strauss).
But there is something to Mason’s observation. It’s based on a really old joke whose roots can be found in the Bible.
This Saturday night and Sunday we celebrate Purim. We read from the Book of Esther which tells of Haman’s evil plot to destroy our People. With Queen Esther’s help, King Achashverosh grants the Jews of Persia permission to defend themselves. Once we’re given sanction to take up arms, the Bible tells us, “Many from among the people of the land
This part of the story is meant to make us laugh. We’re supposed to chuckle at the thought of the “fear of the Jews” overtaking the Gentile majority. Jewish power is supposed to strike us as ridiculous.
Thankfully, we live in a time when, despite the reality of antisemitism, Jews are less vulnerable than ever before. Thank goodness, we have a sovereign Jewish State with a powerful military that is one of America’s closest allies. Thank goodness, the American Jewish establishment remains vibrant and influential.
Here is the beautiful part: Purim isn’t merely a fantasy about Jewish Power. It’s not just about a longing to be able to defend ourselves. On Purim we are also called to participate in the mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim – giving gifts to the poor.
Our goal is not to make others afraid of us so they’ll cross to the other side of the street when they see us coming. Rather, our job is to find the balance between vigorously defending ourselves and our own interests and caring for others at the same time.
Hag Purim Sameach – May you have a joyous Purim!