Tonight (as is true for all Jewish holidays- all “days” start in the evening) is a holiday. The holiday of Purim (“Lots”)- the story of Esther, her uncle Mordechai, the demon Haman, and King Achashverosh.
(This holiday of Purim is a combination of what you consider to be Halloween [we wear costumes], St. Patrick’s Day [we drink a lot], Christmas (we share gifts] , and Mardi Gras (of course- plus there are special pastries and cakes]. )
Interestingly, the names of most of the Babylonian characters in this story are akin to those of the various Babylonian gods. From Vashti to Haman to Teresh, all are variants of Babylonian gods and goddesses. And, this is the only book in the Tanach that has no mention of Hashem (The Supreme Being). Now, let’s be serious- the effect of the Supreme Being is clearly felt- but the Supreme Being never directly mentioned directly in the text.
This is the most bawdy – and most violent- of the books in the Tanach. Vashti refuses to perform nude for her husband, King Achashverosh (you may know him by his common name- Xerxes), and the officers of the court. A beauty contest (Miss Persia?) is held to choose Vashti’s replacement- which is how Esther becomes queen.
As the tale progresses, we find that Achashverosh was willing to off a good portion of his kingdom’s residents- for the right price. In this care, a price which Haman (his Prime Minister) was more than willing to provide. Haman’s unstated goal (to Achashverosh) was to get rid of his personal nemesis, Mordechai; while he was at it, getting rid of all the other Jews in the kingdom was a bonus.
So, Haman gets his wish granted, and determines (via a lottery- again to show how chance and not the Supreme Being rules our lives) that all the Jews shall be slaughtered on the full moon of the month of Adar. The edict is spread to the 127 provinces of the realm- from Europe to India. Haman also has a special surprise for Mordechai- to be hung on the tallest gallows he could construct.
But, Achashverosh is willing to provide anything (even “half his kingdom”) to Esther, if she will service his needs. (You do note he extends his “golden sceptre” to her often...) And, when it becomes clear to him that Esther is a Jew, he is nonplussed. It doesn’t help that Achashverosh spies Haman on Esther’s bed (out of context, but not a lucky thing for Haman). That sets Achashverosh to allow the Jews of the kingdom to retaliate and kill their opponents on that same appointed time- the full moon of Adar.
Maybe that’s why it’s a commandment to drink enough to be unable to discern the difference between the hero (Mordechai) and the villain (Haman) of this tale. And, since most of us include our children in this tradition, the practice serves as a deterrent to excess drinking as the children grow and mature; they remember the experience with far less than fondness…
Happy Purim…
Purim day, Purim day, What a joyous holiday…
Masks to wear, Sweets to eat, Songs and dances to perform…
Let’s make a racket, “rash, rash, rash”…with our graggers swinging.
