to win a stay of execution for her people she would have to put herself out on the limb. Without Mordechai cajoling, prodding and …continuing to pester Esther, one shudders to think of the fate that awaited our people.

 

Aimin’ for Haman Mordechai’s task for twofold. Our Man in Shushan had to ensure that his people would be secure; our man in Shushan had to be secure in knowing that justice (not retribution) would be meted out to Haman. The fact that Haman had to suffer parading Mordechai through the streets of the city when it should have been Haman on that horse…that was Ahasuerus’ doing.

 

Cure ‘em at Purim If anti-Semitism is a sickness, then the story of Purim teaches us that there is an antitode. Vigilance on our part is both essential as well as indispensable. Equally important is the realization that we simply must have friends in high places, or at least friends who have access to high places. Even before the establishment of the State of Israel, the American Jewish Community knew that whether anti-Semitism rears its ugly head or whether the Jewish Community simply needs

Text Box: the ear of the president, access to oval office is a sine qua non. Whether it be an Eddie Jacobson or a (Rabbi) Stephen Weiss, we’ve always, had our “Esthers.” The challenge lies before us. Come hear the Megillah being read both Saturday night, February 27th, as well as Sunday morning, February 28th, and see if you can come up with a word play of your own. Happy Purim (Simchat Purim) to all! Rabbi Zell

Purim Players

 

Although there is no need to hide any masks, the Megillah itself is not without a sense of jocularity. When Esther (sort of) ‘fesses up and informs the Royal Crown (all allusions intended) that she and her people are “sold to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish”, the Royal Crown in a rare moment of sobriety roars: Mi hu zeh V’ey zeh hu?? Roughly translated, the Monarch of Cutty Sark roars: Who is he and where would he be??

 

The Megillah however has no monopoly when it comes to wordplays. As we prepare to once again celebrate HaShem’s saving grace through Mordechai the Jew, and Esther the Queen, it is well worth our while to consider the following rhymes. Once they are mulled over a number of times, one would hope that one realizes just how sobering they really are.

 

Pester Esther. Perhaps one of the secondary messages of the Megillah is that in life, you can’t get by in life on good looks alone. Esther may have been able to win a beauty contest by merely showing up, but

Text Box: As I See Things By Rabbi Shawn B. Zell Text Box: Tiferet Israel Warmly Welcomes New Members Sam & Michelle Schachter Scott Janco Bob Mason Bob & Gail Mabel