- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Essence of Purim
41
Rashi actually understands the key words in a different manner. Mordechai was pointing out to Esther that she should not rely on her ability to have sway with Achashverosh closer to the time of the planned anti-Jew attacks later in the year. One can suggest a simple answer based on good middot. Perhaps to doubt that simply Esther was the most worthy, from a Persian perspective, to be chosen queen, was insulting to her. However, there are both technical and philosophic reasons to reject this approach, and so we will present another one.
Mordechai had strong beliefs and faith that Hashem would protect those who would do the right thing, even when the prospects looked bleak. What could otherwise be a reckless act became a necessary one when there was a principle to stand up for or a kiddush Hashem to be made. Thus, the Jews must not capitulate religiously or culturally to Haman, or to Achashverosh, for that matter. When the option was an operative one, they must seize the opportunity to act nobly with confidence that Hashem would make sure that things would work out, in whatever manner they would. The proper action for a person to take should be treated as a surety; Hashem will make sure it will work. The specific means through which Divine Providence would prevail was Hashem’s secret to which man was not necessarily privy. Thus, Esther must act according to the significant power she had, which gave her a better natural chance than anyone else. Why was it that Esther was in such a position, while undoubtedly a fascinating philosophical question, did not impact on what she needed to do. Therefore, Mordechai mentioned the possibility that her rise to the throne was for this purpose to give Esther motivation and strength to act. However, there was no need to turn it into a definite statement with philosophical implications.

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