“Knowing that we are in spaces and places intentionally gives us strength to act and engage, empowering us to emulate Esther.”
Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman
ומי יודע אם לעת כזאת הגעת למלכות
And who knows, perhaps you have attained to royal position for just this purpose or time.
We read on the Shabbos before Purim how Amalek confronted the Jewish people with their signature feature, קרך ,” they chanced upon the you on the way”. Rashi explains that they came with the tactic of מקרה “a sudden happening”, by surprise, unplanned. Amalek’s approach embraces the concept of randomness, a world with no Supreme Being. The Purim story refutes this theory with its detailed description of divine choreography. Every element of the story speaks to the watchful eye of Hashem, protecting His people.
The Purim Megillah describes a charged conversation between Mordechai and Esther. Mordechai says to Esther that everything, every detail of our lives is watched and guided and that we must act on the opportunities that we are given. ומי יודע אם לעת כזאת הגעת למלכות And who knows, perhaps you have attained to royal position for just this purpose or time.
When we see the world as designed and run by our Maker, we respond accordingly. Esther was being charged to see her role through this lense, a lense we can look through as we approach our daily opportunities and interactions. Knowing that we are in spaces and places intentionally gives us strength to act and engage, empowering us to emulate Esther as she embraced her mission, לֵךְ֩ כְּנ֨וֹס אֶת־כָּל־הַיְּהוּדִ֜ים “Go, assemble all the Jews”.
In our space at the WI, we recognize that we have sacred responsibility to inspire, educate and empower women Jewishly everyday. We encourage you to be our partners in this holy and exciting endeavor.
