Discussing “The True Argument for Service” in a Purim sermon Rabbi Samuel H. Goldenson appealed to members of Congregation Emanu-El. Fifth Avenue and 65th street, to bear in mind the message sent by Mordecai to Esther when the Jews in Persia were in danger.
“The story of Esther is one of the least inspiring and least elevating in Scripture,” Dr. Goldenson said. “It deals largely with passion, bribery, hatred and also with vengeance. There is, however, one passage that we may dwell upon in these days. I refer to the manner in which Mordecai approached Esther. What he said impressed me most in the omissions.
“Mordecai might have staged a great mass meeting in Shushan, with great orators to tell the story of the achievements of his people He might have asked Esther to come to the meeting to listen to the story. Moreover, he might have appealed to her vanity, he might have flattered her, challenged her to show her influence with the king. He might have reminded her of what he, Mordecai had done for her.
“All these things he might have done. But he only reminded her that even the palace of the king was not safe for her, that she was still a Jewess. He said, ‘If thou dost not come to the assistance of my friends, help and deliverance may come from another source.’ “
Rabbi Goldenson declared that “we are now at a time when a Haman like that of old is seeking to destroy an entire nation.” In such a time, he said, it is necessary to remember the one outstanding person in the Book of Esther. “In moments of trial, we should look more deeply into ourselves,” he concluded, “and present to the world the better part of our natures. We are the children of a spiritual destiny.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
