Accept the Megillah’s directives

Jewish thinkers see a parallel between Megillat Esther’s “kimu v’kiblu” (“they upheld and accepted”) and the Jews’ acceptance of the Torah at Sinai – “naaseh v’nishma” (“we shall do and heed”).

What must we accept today?

With this in mind, here are 10 key takeaways for our friends and one for our enemies, as we re-commit to Jewish Peoplehood in all its complexities at this trying time.

1. Jews must believe the intent of those who wish to murder us – witness Haman’s blunt statements.
2. Jews must claim, and even demand, their seat at the table – witness Mordechai the Jew in front of a Foolish King’s court.
3. Jews must utilize all levels of power to save themselves – witness Esther’s leveraging of the King.
4. Jews must prioritize saving the kidnapped first – witness Esther first pleading the case of her hostaged meta-family before the King.
5. Jews must own the narrative – witness Esther and Mordechai writing the “royal” history of the event, which we call the Megillah.
6. Jews must accept those amongst the other who are true friends: witness the many accepted into our fold in the aftermath of the attempted elimination of our people.
7. Jews must renew their covenant to do good and take care of the threatened – witness the bid to give tzedakah to all who need it in commemoration of the event.
8. Jews must devote themselves to G-d – witness the fast instituted by Esther; Jews must not use G-d’s name as a weapon in the struggle – witness the absence of G-d’s name in the Megillah.
9. Jews must celebrate life.
10. Jews must never forget.

To our enemies: witness that Jews always remain. You need to get over it.