JBFCS: Rita J. Kaplan Jewish Connections Programs

Rita J. Kaplan Jewish Connections Programs of the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services

March 2007

By Rabbi Dennis Math

Survival Today

We just celebrated the holiday of Purim. Purim celebrates the bravery of one person, Queen Esther, who saved our people from annihilation at the hands of the wicked Persian tyrant, Haman in the land of Persia. According to the story, Esther was chosen to be Queen for her simple beauty in a beauty pageant sponsored by King Ahashverosh. Esther’s husband, the King, did not know of her Jewish identity. When Queen Esther learned of Haman’s wicked plot, she revealed her Jewish identity to her husband, and Haman was the one who went to the gallows.

Many scholars doubt the historical authenticity of this story. Nevertheless, the theme of this story is without doubt very true. The Jewish people have been threatened with annihilation. We know this fact all too well. We can question the details of the Purim story, but never its message.

It is ironic that the ancient kingdom of Persia is now Iran. Iran might be seen as being governed by a modern day Haman, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He denies the historical reality of the Holocaust. He might pose a very worrisome threat to the survival of the State of Israel, and perhaps represents a nuclear threat to the world. Haman may not have been a real person, but leaders such as Ahmdinejad certainly are. The Haman figure of the Purim story is the prototype anti-Semite.

In today’s world, Judaism is also threatened by another phenomenon. It is fortunate that we enjoy great acceptance in this society. As Jews, we are part of the society’s mainstream. Yet, we cannot allow ourselves to be swallowed up by it. A real challenge is posed by our acceptance. We must participate in the affairs of the world, without losing our identity.

During Purim, we must ask ourselves — is our Jewish practice the kind of observance that will keep the Jewish people alive? Are we passing on to younger generations the warmth and joy of our precious heritage? Will our children and grandchildren choose to bring Judaism into their homes and their lives? These are vital questions that we must ponder. We cannot bring about our own annihilation or our own disappearance by our apathy and complacency. It is by the practice of Jewish rituals and ceremonies in a joyful way with our family and friends that will enable our people to survive.

We hope that you heard the Megillah read, gave tzedakah, ate Hamantaschen, and overall enjoyed your Purim holiday!

These "Spirituality Notes" are excerpts from our monthly E-newsletter. Articles are © JBFCS Rita J. Kaplan Jewish Connections Programs and may be reprinted free of charge as long as this credit line is included.

©2008 Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services
120 West 57th Street · New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 399-2685 · Fax: (212) 399-2475 ·