Page 6 - HaMizrachi #7 Purim

Mizrachi Educators

Rabbi Reuven Taragin Rabbanit Shani Taragin
HOW TO LEAD

WHEN G-D IS SILENT

hroughout most of Tanach, G-d who knows – perhaps it was to serve background, but turns him into the
instructs leaders how to lead at this time that you attained royalty” commanded (4:17). In the Megillah’s
T the Jewish people; the leader’s (4:13-14). central chapters (when the reversal
role is often merely to inspire the [VeNahafoch Hu] occurs), it is Esther,
people to follow. Nowadays, when we Mordechai does not have an explanation not Mordechai, who plays an active
no longer have prophecy, we lack such why Esther became queen, nor does role. Esther brings Mordechai back
clear direction. This reality demands a he have a prophecy regarding the into the picture only after Haman's
different form of leadership; it requires correct way forward (hence ‘perhaps’) plot is revealed and he is hanged (8:1).
leaders who can speculatively determine – but this does not prevent him giving Mordechai may be the one to record
Providence’s way forward and convince her clear directives regarding what the story, but it is a tale highlighted by
others to follow that path. Providence expects from her. Thus, Esther’s leadership and heroics. Esther
Mordechai is very much a model of
Megillat Esther – a sefer bereft of leadership in a post-prophetic era. ultimately played the pivotal human role
prophecy (and the very mention of Mordechai’s leadership continues after in facilitating the heavenly miracle.
G-d’s name) – presents models of such the miraculous turn of events, in his By acting, Esther honors her forebears.
leadership. Although left to their own authorship not only of the letters sent to Esther’s risky act of faith glorifies the
devices in determining a course of action, reverse the decree (8:9), but also of the ancestry Mordechai says would be lost
Mordechai and Esther are successful letters charging the Jews to immortalize if she failed to act. This is why when the
in saving the Jewish people from a Purim as a holiday (9:20). Megillah mentions Esther’s authorship,
terrifying fate. They are excellent models a crowning moment of her leadership, it
for post-prophecy contemporary leaders. Megillat Mordechai to Megillat Esther refers to her as bat Avichail – Avichail’s
If Mordechai is so dominant, why is the
Initially, the Megillah focuses on Megillah not named after him? daughter (9:29) – for the first time since
Mordechai as dominant and pro-active, her initial appearance in chapter 2.
while Esther is passive. Mordechai is I believe the answer lies in the marked Leadership Takeaways
formally introduced (Esther 2:5-6), change in Esther’s character at the
adopts Esther (2:7), discovers and foils critical moment in the story. Esther We would be wise to learn important
the plot to kill Achashverosh (2:22), and responds to Mordechai’s rebuke not lessons from these leadership models.
actively responds to Haman’s scheme only by taking action, but by taking From Mordechai we learn of the
(4:1-2). In contrast, Esther is taken the reins of leadership. She responds leader’s responsibility to question why
with the other girls to the palace, and not by consenting to his command, but we find ourselves in the positions we
eventually to Achashverosh (2:8-16). rather by changing it – planning parties do, speculate about what actions are
Her decision not to reveal her nationality for Achashverosh and Haman – and expected from us, and ensure that we
is based on Mordechai’s command by expanding it to include the Jewish and others rise to the occasion. From
people in the process (4:15-16).
(2:10). Esther’s first independent action Esther we learn that even those led
is described only in chapter 4, when With this initiative Esther becomes by others are not exempt from the
she attempts to convince Mordechai active commander rather than passive responsibility of leadership. There are
to dispense with his mourner’s clothes commanded. Esther shows that moments in life when we are all called
(4:4-5). Indeed, when Mordechai directs Mordechai is not the only leader. upon to lead and bring others into the
her to beg Achashverosh to prevent the Furthermore, Esther reminds us that circle of action.
genocide, she hesitates to act (4:11). Jewish salvation hinges not on the heroic Rabbi Reuven Taragin is Educational
actions of individual martyrs, but on the
Mordechai responds with sharp rebuke: individual’s ability to inspire the rest of Director of World Mizrachi and
“If you keep silent at this time, relief the people to identify with the mission. Religious Zionists of America–Mizrachi.
and deliverance will come to the Jews He is also Dean of the Yeshivat HaKotel
from another quarter, while you and Esther’s emergence as leader not only Overseas Program
your father’s house will perish. And eclipses Mordechai, who fades into the ravtaragin@mizrachi.org

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