Timeless Torah

Haman, arch-enemy of the Jews, flexed his political muscle in convincing King Achashveirosh to issue an edict of annihilation against the Jews. What argument did Haman use to persuade the monarch?

“There exists one nation, dispersed amongst the nations… their laws are different… the laws of the king they do not keep.” Such dangerous national characteristics reasoned Haman lead to the conclusion that “it is not worthwhile for the king to allow them to exist.”

Obviously Achashveirosh concurred. What then changed his mind later? Haman’s contentions remained unchallenged, for where in the Megillah do we find a refutation of his arguments?

Some suggest that the Persian king annulled the decree merely to appease Esther. That is however illogical. For if that had been the case, the Queen’s graphic depiction of her nation’s plight would have been unnecessary. (“I and my people have been sold for annihilation, death and destruction.”)

This difficulty is compounded when we realize that Haman was in fact correct. Israel is .one people, we are scattered, our laws are different and we do not observe the laws of the king when it contravenes our beliefs. If Haman’s reasoning was true shouldn’t his conclusion, “it is not worthwhile for the king to allow them to exist” also be true?

The Megillah however, does provide a rebuttal to Haman’s ,conclusion. Indeed we are different, but it is exactly those unique characteristics which prove our worth and not, as Haman claimed, our worthlessness.

The statement, “It is not worthwhile for the king to allow them to exist” suggested more than Achasheiverosh’s agreement to destroy Israel. Haman implied that being in exile, scattered and behaving differently would compel the host society and culture to proclaim to the Jews, “You cannot exist.” Either assimilate or become another chapter in history as did the Assyrians, Babylonians, etc.

Esther explicitly disproved this contention in her plea to Ashashveirosh, “my request is for my people.” In these few words lies the answer. The queen explained what kind of nation Israel is. “It is a people that nurtured your own selected queen. All of Haman’s claims are true. Be informed however that these are my people. I too conduct myself differently yet I was chosen above all the other contestants. In me you discerned noble qualities not found in any other people. The claim that we cannot exist, that our proud independence and unique laws render us unworthy and condemn us to extinction - is utterly without foundation.”

This was the turning point of the King’s outlook. Even today, we should realize that renewed respect for Jews and Israel hinges upon us presenting our true colors with pride and honesty.

When all hate is banished from this blood-bathed world all will proclaim, “This is what is done to the people whom the King of Kings desires to honor.” That will be the last Purim pageant.