Purim: Shades of Bravery

Rabbi Ariel Platt 

The holiday of Purim begins tonight, March 2nd, at sundown and ends at sundown tomorrow*. One of the 4 central commandments of Purim is to listen to the Megillah (The Book of Esther). When recounting the story of Esther* people often highlight the bravery of Queen Esther — and rightfully so. But the Purim story reminds us that courage did not belong to just one person.

There were three individuals whose sparks of bravery shaped the course of the story.

Vashti showed courage by standing up for herself and refusing to compromise her dignity. Mordechai demonstrated courage by refusing to bow to Haman, even under immense pressure. And Esther showed extraordinary courage by stepping forward at great personal risk to advocate for her people.

Each act was different. Each act was essential. 

Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it looks like speaking up when you’re unsure of the answer. Sometimes it’s sharing an idea. Sometimes it’s admitting you made a mistake. Sometimes it’s standing up for someone else or having a difficult conversation. And sometimes, it’s simply choosing to be authentically yourself.

As E.E. Cummings wrote, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

One way to translate the word courage into Hebrew is Ometz Lev, literally strength of heart. The word lev means “heart.” True bravery — whether bold or quiet — always takes heart.

This Purim, may we recognize the many forms of courage around us and within us. May we honor the large and small acts of bravery that strengthen our community every day.

Wishing all who celebrate a joyful Purim, and wishing all of us a season filled with courage and heart.

Chag Sameach! Happy Purim!

*If you live in a walled city like Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar, which is Wednesday, March 4th. This is known as Shushan Purim.

**The Story of Esther briefly summarized, Ahasuerus, the king of Persia, banishes his queen Vashti for failing to appear before him. The new chosen queen is Esther, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, the Jew. Mordecai’s bitter enemy at court is the wicked Haman, the king’s right-hand man. Because Mordecai fails to bow before him, Haman plots not only Mordecai’s death but also the extermination of all the Jews in the Persian empire. Mordecai calls on Queen Esther to save her people. Esther heroically risks the king’s wrath by appearing before him without permission. She invites King Ahasuerus and Haman to two banquets where she persuades the king to save her people, and Haman is punished.