Every Chapter in Your Story Is Important
Twenty-two years ago, I didn’t know what Purim was, but I got my first job in the Jewish community because of it. I had loaned some costumes to a friend who taught at a local preschool, which led to a job interview, which led to a whole new career path for me. That job also directly led me to meeting the man who became my husband, which makes me even more grateful.
Now that I’m celebrating 12 years with PJ Library and Federation, I am so thankful for the happenstance series of events that led to an unexpected and wonderful outcome. And it’s perfect that it coincides with the holiday of Purim, which we celebrate joyously each spring. In the story, which comes from the Book of Esther, there’s a seemingly coincidental series of events that leads to the story having a happy ending with the Jews being saved from Haman’s plot. At any point, a small change could have meant a totally different ending. What if:
- Queen Vashti had obeyed King Ahasuerus’ orders and not been cast aside?
- What if Esther, secretly Jewish, had not been chosen as the next Queen of Persia?
- What if Mordechai had not overheard Bigtan and Teresh, the Persian guards, plotting against the king?
- What if Haman had not been so offended by Mordechai’s refusal to bow?
- What if the king had been able to sleep through the night and had not re-read the records where he learned of Mordechai’s actions to save his life?
- What if Esther decided to keep quiet about her Jewishness for fear of the king’s reaction?
- And what if the king decided to listen to Haman’s lies instead of Esther’s truth?
At any point in this story, the narrative could have taken a tragic turn. And at each point, whether by divine intervention or human ingenuity, it did not. Rather than just celebrating the end result — in the Purim story, the Jews of Persia were saved from Haman’s plan — we should celebrate each step in the journey and the small deeds and individual circumstances that add up to joy or tragedy. That’s a role each of us can play: we each can take small actions that build upon and grow with those of others to lead to a happier and safer community.
I hope that you see your power and empower your children to do the same. Purim begins Thursday, March 13th at sundown.
Chag Purim Sameach (Happy Purim Holiday),
Sarah