In this week's Megillot class, we discussed the remainder of Perek Gimel, and Perek Daled. While reading through the text, so many themes that I had never even considered emerged, and I'm excited to see which other ones we uncover in our analysis of the Megillah.
In Perek Gimel (8-16), Haman begins to indite his plan to kill the Jews. He tells Achashverosh that there is one nation spread among the other nations: their laws are different than any other nation, and they don't follow Achashverosh's laws. Therefore, there is no purpose in having them in the kingdom. If we destroy/enslave/capture the Jews, I'll (Haman) give you (Achashverosh) money in your treasury. Haman capitalized on the following ideas: that the Jews should be in Israel and the fact that the kingdom was predicated on "dat." Achashverosh gladly obliges and gives his ring to Haman, thus bestowing upon him the power to do as he wishes. However, Haman sends out the decree (that on the thirteenth day of Adar, the Jews can be obliterated) in the name of Achashverosh. Haman is planning to commit complete genocide, killing everyone from young to old. And he makes this the LAW. After the decree is delivered, the king and Haman sat down to drink and Shushan cried.
Then, we learned Perek Daled, which focuses on the interaction and dialogue between Mordechai and Esther. Mordechai knew everything that had been decreed. He rips his clothing and puts on sackcloth (a sign of mourning). He goes to the center of the city and cries a bitter scream. Mordechai then approaches the gate of the palace, as he cannot go inside, due to his state of dress. However, it was not just Mordechai who was in distress. In every area where the king's law reached, it was a time of great mourning and fasting for the Jews. Esther was told about Mordechai and it disturbed her, so she sent clothes to him. Mordechai refused them, and Esther called Hatach, her confidante, to inquire more of what was happening to Mordechai.
Hatach went to Mordechai at the street before the palace and Mordechai filled Hatach in on the decree. He also gave Hatach a copy of the decree to Esther, as she was unaware about it. Mordechai had to give her proof in order to initiate his next plan. He commands her to got the king and plead for her nation. Esther hears of this and in response, says that she cannot go to the king, as she was uninvited and will not find favor in his eyes. This is the LAW, unless he extends his scepter, which marks Esther condemning the kingdom and its arbitrary nature. Mordechai replies and tells Esther not to worry about her own soul. Don't think that just because you're in the king's palace, you will escape the fate of the Jews. If you remain silent and go to the king, someone else will save the Jews, but you and your family will be lost. Esther ponders this and begins the next stage, in which she requests that the Jews fast for her for three days, and then she will venture to Achashverosh's inner chamber. If she's lost, she will be lost.
What Mordechai tells Esther towards the end of Perek Daled was something so interesting. Anyone could have saved the Jews, but ESTHER was chosen. If you don't accept it, there will other salvation from G-d. There's a plan. If you fulfill it, you will have completed your potential. If not, it will still come. This was just so fascinating because I feel that it's something we encounter daily. The decisions we must choose, the sacrifices we have to make in today's modern world can be difficult difficult. Sometimes its easier to sit back and let things unfold. And when given the opportunity, we can shy away from it. But, what Esther teaches us is the importance of action. We have a destiny. Our purpose in this world is to fulfill it. And we need to take a stance. However, we don't live in our "own bubble." If we choose not to, G-d's plan will still be put into effect. But we have the incredible chance to be a part of this plan. And that is completely up to us.
This perek was completely mind-blowing for me. I found it so relatable and personal, since our leaders, our heroes, have endured similar challenges and obstacles. Which perek so far have you related to most? Why?
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