The story of the Book of Esther is not just a tale of ancient Persia. It is a mirror of what we are experiencing today, both collectively and individually.
Then: A wicked ruler in Persia (modern day Iran) seeks to annihilate the Jewish people. Today: Exactly the same.
Then: Purim begins with the majority of Jews so indifferent to their Jewish identity that they attend a banquet celebrating, at least in part, the seeming failure of the prophecy of their return to Israel.
Today: Less than ⅓ of American Jews are even members of a synagogue, let alone attend on a regular basis or engage in Jewish community activities; additionally, only 20% of eligible Jews went on a FREE Birthright trip.
Then: Haman spreads his hate, but tries to be coy about it: “There is a certain people… ” Today: Prominent media personalities propagate lies and vitriol about us and regularly use the word “Zionist” instead of the word “Jew.”
Then: Esther is hidden. She conceals her identity. Not because she is ashamed—but because it is dangerous.
Today: Many Jews today understand this tension. There are places where a kippah feels risky, where a Star of David is tucked beneath a shirt. The question of how visibly Jewish we can be in 2026 is not a theoretical question; many are afraid.
Then: Mordechai’s challenge: “Who knows if for just such a time you have attained royalty?” Esther faces a choice. She can remain silent and survive comfortably in the palace—or she can step forward, risking everything. Mordechai tells her something profound: neutrality will not save her. History does not spare the silent.
Today: Previously understated Jews (Michael Rappaport, Gal Gadot, Jerry Seinfeld and many more) are now using their platform to stand up for Israel and fight back against anti-Jewish bigotry.
Then: Before she acts, Esther does something crucial: she calls for unity.
Today: Prior to Oct. 7, Israel was socially and politically tearing itself apart; Once the war began, those differences were far less important, as the nation united (for a time) while everyone focused on survival.
Then: Esther enters the political sphere not because she seeks power—but because responsibility demands it.
Today: The “October 8th Jew” is a real phenomenon of Jews of all ages embracing their Jewish identity in new ways and engaging at unprecedented levels.
And then comes the great reversal.
Then and Now: The Jews move from fear to empowerment. From silence to pride & self-defense. Purim is not only about survival; it is about transformation. Jewish history echoes this reversal most dramatically in the rebirth of Jewish sovereignty after catastrophe. The lesson is not triumphalism. We are not only acted upon; we can act.
Then: As the events unfold, the seemingly improbable and impossible occur at every turn. But here is the subtlety: G-d’s name never appears in the Megillah. One could attribute everything to chance, or one could see the hidden hand of G-d guiding events and bringing about our deliverance. Today: The horrific catastrophe of Oct. 7 has been followed by over 2 years of profound successes that could well be classified as miraculous: The near-dismantling of Hezbollah via beeper operation (in which 0 Israelis were harmed). The almost total annihilation of Syria’s military on Dec 8 & 9 2024 (in which 0 Israelis were harmed). The destruction of Iran’s nuclear program, from which the Israeli government anticipated the reprisals to kill up to 100,000 Israelis. 40 people were killed.
Redemption unfolds through human courage, strategic action, political advocacy, communal unity. The hiddenness of G-d places responsibility squarely on human shoulders. The miracle of Purim is not a supernatural spectacle. It is what happens when someone decides, “If I do not act, who will?”
In every generation, there are moments when Jews must choose between comfort and courage. Between staying in the palace and walking into the throne room uninvited. Between silence and action.
Activism today may not look like approaching a king. It may look like:
● Showing up publicly as a proud Jews.
● Calling out antisemitism when it is disguised as code or other rhetoric.
● Supporting Jewish institutions and their security.
● Advocating responsibly in the civic sphere.
● Strengthening Jewish education and identity.
● Supporting organizations that build Jewish pride, strengthen community and protect Jews and our institutions, physically, legally and otherwise.
The enduring message of Purim is this: History can be impacted in positive ways when ordinary people accept extraordinary responsibility.
We may not wear crowns. We may not stand in royal courts. But each of us has influence on our campuses, in our communities and workplaces. Each of us occupies a position and has talents that no one else does.
And perhaps the quiet voice of Purim still whispers:
Who knows if for just such a time as this, you are exactly where you need to be? What more can you do in this moment?
Purim Sameach!
Rabbi Matthew Weisbaum, Executive Director,
