Adar, Identity, and Jewish Community in Israel

The month of Adar is a time of happiness, hidden miracles, and celebrating identity. At the heart of Purim is the story of Esther, a Jew who conceals and then reveals her identity, ultimately using her position to save her people. The idea of balancing visibility and belonging resonates deeply with Jews in the diaspora, who have mastered the art of preserving Jewish traditions in environments that don’t always sustain them naturally. Ironically, in Israel, where Judaism is woven into the fabric of everyday life, it is often, in my opinion, young olim from the diaspora who are the most intentional about building Jewish communities.

In Jerusalem’s young adult scene, there’s a striking contrast: Olim, especially those from English speaking countries are the ones forming tight-knit, intentional Jewish spaces, while many native-born Israelis in their 20s and 30s seem disconnected from such initiatives. Whether it’s weekly Shabbat dinners, communal holiday gatherings, or learning programs, young olim have a deep-seated understanding that Jewish life flourishes when people actively create spaces for it. This is a lesson learned from diaspora existence, where Jewish identity is a choice, not a given.

And that, in essence, is the quintessential theme of Purim. Esther’s story is not just about personal revelation, it’s about the conscious decision to claim one’s Jewish identity and use it for a greater purpose. Purim teaches us that Jewish survival is not passive; it requires active engagement, commitment, and sometimes, courage. In many ways, young Olim embody this message. They leave behind the comfort of their birthplace to forge a new Jewish reality in Israel, bringing with them the strength and creativity of diaspora Jewish life. They are the bright minds who remind us that Jewish identity is something to be nurtured, not taken for granted.

Chazal teach us (Megillah 12a) that the Jewish people in the time of Mordechai and Esther were spiritually asleep, assimilated into Persian society until Haman’s decree forced them to wake up. The Teshuvat HaRashba (1:116) explains that in times of hidden miracles, Hashem expects us to recognize our role in shaping Jewish destiny. Similarly, in Israel today, it is often Olim who bring this wake-up call and show, through their actions, that Jewish continuity depends on effort, on building and sustaining community with intention.

From my personal experience, it’s frustrating to hear Israelis from Anglo homes talk about their upbringing as a cultural setback. Many express feelings of not being fully accepted into Israeli society because they were raised in a household that wasn’t exclusively “Israeli” in character. But in reality, these individuals possess a unique advantage. Their bilingualism and bicultural awareness grant them a broader perspective on the world, an ability to engage with multiple cultures, and a skill set that is invaluable in an increasingly globalized Israel. Rather than being a hindrance, their upbringing is an asset, one that can enrich Israeli society rather than alienate them from it. And this is an attitude I hope to teach my children that will grow up in Israel. That said, if others with this background have a different perspective, I’d love to hear their experiences and thoughts.

There’s also an underappreciated benefit for young Israelis in engaging with these diaspora-style communities. In many ways, these spaces, that I am currenty a part of, often warm, welcoming, and rooted in shared traditions, resemble American Jewish environments, where people come together out of choice, not obligation. In Israel, where Jewish identity can often be taken for granted, the act of creating and sustaining community can be a transformative experience. Engaging with these spaces allows Israelis to connect to Jewish life in new ways, fostering a sense of belonging that is not just cultural but deeply intentional. Young Israelis should see these spaces not as foreign, but as opportunities to strengthen their own Jewish identities in ways they may not have considered.

Just as Esther ultimately embraced her identity and used it to bring unity and salvation to her people, there’s something powerful about embracing the strengths that come with a diaspora upbringing. The skills of Jewish communal life in creating warmth, togetherness, and resilience, are part of what has sustained the Jewish people for millennia. Olim bring these skills with them to Israel, and rather than being viewed as outsiders, they should be recognized as vital contributors to the evolving tapestry of Israeli society.