Purim: A Lesson in Social Justice

“If I perish, I perish.” – Esther

Often referred to as “Jewish Halloween” due to the tradition of wearing costumes and a party-hardy attitude, Purim is one of many Jewish holidays that celebrates the survival of the Jewish people at the hands of oppressive government. In this case, the Jewish people faced extermination at the hands of the Persian government, ruled by King Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I or Artaxerxes I). The king’s vizier, Haman, was royally pissed off that Mordecai, a palace guard, refused to bow to him. Upon discovery that Mordecai is Jewish, Haman plots (in true tyrannical fashion) to not only have the man killed, but to kill all Jews in the Persian Empire. He persuades King Ahasuerus to decree all Jews in the empire to be murdered. There’s only one problem in Haman’s plot: King Ahasuerus’ beloved wife, Esther, is both Jewish and the cousin of Mordecai. 

Through fasting and plotting of their own, Mordecai and Esther devise a plan to save the Jewish people, which includes Esther risking her neck and approaching the king to reveal Haman’s wicked plan. Thankfully, the king listens to Esther and decrees Haman to be hanged. While (for some reason) he cannot retroactively retract the Haman’s degree to murder the Jews, he does decree that the Jews may defend themselves against anyone who tries to kill them. When it’s all said and done, the Jewish people killed approximately 75,000 people empire-wide in self defense, including Haman’s 10 sons. 

Here’s what we can learn:

1. Educate yourself and speak out

While it might not be a decree of death (yet), every day our rights are violated in some way by our government. It comes in many forms, such as the horrendous corruption in our government through institutions such as our justice system and law enforcement, and even our own city councils and education boards. Don’t wait for a decree of death to do something, rise up and fight now against the injustice. Because one day, you or a loved one’s life or livelihood might be at stake. 

2. Don’t go it alone

The fight isn’t solely on your shoulders! Figure out what issues you care most about and research what organizations are working on those issues. If you’re getting a little lost, you can contact us here at AF and we’ll help guide you in the right direction. No one wins a fight alone, and you’re more likely to be effective with others. It also is a great way to meet new people with similar values and passions as you, and it’ll make the process a lot more fun. 

3. Gun control is racist

What does every government do before they slaughter their own people? They disarm them. Across their history, Jews have always been disarmed by their government before they are oppressed. Here in the United States, gun control laws were originally created to disarm people of color so they wouldn’t be able to defend themselves as their rights were being violated. Every person has the right to self defense, which includes the right to own a weapon and to use it to defend themselves. It’s cliché, but I’ll say it anyway: the only person who can stop a bad person with a weapon is a good person with a weapon.

4. Celebrate life!

Purim is celebrated with a good deal of partying and fun! On this holiday Jews eat, drink, and make merry in remembrance of what could have been had not the courageous Mordecai and Esther risked it all. Every day is a gift and we should daily remember and embrace all the goodness of it. 

Want to join in the holiday fun? You can find a Purim celebration near you by searching on Facebook. Chag Purim Sameach! Happy Purim!