{"id":45103,"date":"2018-02-13T10:41:50","date_gmt":"2018-02-13T10:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/holidays\/?p=45103"},"modified":"2018-02-13T10:41:50","modified_gmt":"2018-02-13T10:41:50","slug":"not-easy-haman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/holidays\/not-easy-haman\/","title":{"rendered":"It’s Not Easy Being Haman"},"content":{"rendered":"

And when Haman saw that Mordechai bowed not down, nor prostrated himself before him, then Haman was full of wrath.\u00a0 But it seemed contemptible in his eyes to lay hands on Mordechai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordechai.\u00a0 And Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Achashverosh, even the people of Mordechai.\u00a0 (Megilat Esther 3:5-6)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The confrontation between Haman and Mordechai<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Megilat Esther focuses on two aspects of Haman’s character.\u00a0It explains the strategy he employed in order to manipulate Achashverosh.\u00a0 The Megilah also explores the nature of Haman\u2019s wickedness.\u00a0 It delves into the source of his pathological fixation upon Mordechai and the Jewish people.\u00a0 However, the Megilah’s treatment of this issue is not manifestly expressed in its passages.\u00a0 Instead, careful consideration of two incidents is required for the Megilah\u2019s message to emerge.<\/p>\n

    Haman seems to acquire his hatred for the Jewish people soon after his appointment as Achashverosh’s vizier.\u00a0 The Megilah explains that with this appointment came a directive that all members of the court and subjects of the king\u00a0pay homage to Haman by kneeling and prostrating themselves before him.\u00a0 This directive was obeyed by the king’s servants and subjects.\u00a0 Mordechai, alone, refused to obey the royal directive and\u00a0pay homage to the king’s vizier.<\/p>\n

    Apparently, Mordechai’s behavior did not immediately disturb Haman.\u00a0 It seems that initially he was not even aware of Mordechai’s refusal to follow the king’s edict. \u00a0However, among those who observed Mordechai’s behavior, his refusal to kneel and prostrate himself before Haman was sensational.\u00a0 These observers understood from Mordechai that his actions expressed his convictions as a Jew.\u00a0 They made Haman aware of Mordechai’s behavior.\u00a0 They wanted to precipitate a conflict between Haman and Mordechai and see who would triumph.\u00a0 The Megilah explains that at this point Haman first took notice of Mordechai and discovered that the report brought to him was accurate.\u00a0 Indeed, Mordechai would not kneel or prostrate himself before him.<\/p>\n

    Haman was consumed with anger.\u00a0 His anger was provoked by Mordechai but it extended to all Jews. \u00a0Haman decided that he would seek the destruction of all Jews in the kingdom.<\/p>\n

    Two aspects of Haman’s reaction to Mordechai require further consideration.\u00a0 First, the Megilah explains that when Haman became aware of Mordechai’s resistance he was filled with anger.\u00a0\u00a0 Haman enjoyed virtually universal recognition.\u00a0 One single individual \u2013 Mordechai \u2013 refused to efface himself.\u00a0 Mordechai’s lonely protest was so insignificant that Haman did not even notice it until instigators brought it to his attention.\u00a0 Why was Haman so infuriated by Mordechai’s actions?\u00a0 Second, the Megilah describes Mordechai as an outlier even among Jews.\u00a0 Apparently, other Jews obeyed the king’s directive.\u00a0 Why did Haman decide to destroy all of the Jews because of Mordechai’s behavior?<\/p>\n

    And Haman recounted unto them the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and everything as to how the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.\u00a0 Haman said moreover: Yea, Esther the queen did let any man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow also am I invited by her together with the king. Yet, all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordechai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.\u00a0 (Megilat Esther 5:11-13)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Mordechai\u2019s profound effect on Haman<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      In order to answer these questions, another incident should be considered.\u00a0 As the story of the Megilah progresses, Haman persuades Achashverosh to allow him to issue a decree promoting the annihilation of the kingdom’s Jews.\u00a0 Mordechai appeals to Esther the queen to intercede with Achashverosh and ask that he revoke the decree.\u00a0 Esther decides against directly appealing to Achashverosh.\u00a0 Instead, she invites the king and Haman to a party she has prepared exclusively for them.\u00a0 This party does not provide Esther with an opportunity to appeal to Achashverosh.\u00a0 Esther invites Haman and Achashverosh to second exclusive party the following night.<\/p>\n

      Upon leaving the queen\u2019s residence,\u00a0Haman encounters Mordechai.\u00a0 Again, Haman’s nemesis refuses to pay him homage.\u00a0 Haman in enraged.\u00a0 He returns to his home and gathers his closest confidants and his wife.\u00a0 He delivers an address.\u00a0 He begins by describing his fame and wealth.\u00a0 He boasts of his many sons.\u00a0 He proudly notes that even the queen acknowledges his singular position in the kingdom.\u00a0 She has twice included him alone in intimate parties she has made for the king.\u00a0 Then, Haman makes an amazing statement.\u00a0 He declares that all his accomplishments, his wealth, and his glory are rendered meaningless by Mordechai’s defiance.<\/p>\n

      How can this be explained?\u00a0\u00a0Why did Mordechai’s behavior have such a powerful effect on Haman?\u00a0 How is it possible that all of Haman’s accomplishments were rendered meaningless by the defiance of this one lonely Jew?<\/p>\n

      The answer to all of these questions is provided by a comment of our Sages.\u00a0 The Sages are discussing Mordechai’s reason for not obeying the king’s directive to pay homage to Haman.\u00a0 They explain that Mordechai refused to obey the directive because Haman had made himself into a deity.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

      The actual narrative of the Megilah does not seem to support the conclusion that Haman ascribed supernatural powers or omnipotence to himself.\u00a0\u00a0 The Sages are not necessarily suggesting that the Megilah omitted this important element of the narrative.\u00a0 Instead, perhaps the Sages are suggesting that Haman was enamored with his perception of his own greatness.\u00a0 He believed himself to be singular, powerful, and brilliant.\u00a0 He perceived himself as the master of fate and destiny and as the potentate who either ruled or manipulated all others.\u00a0 He deserved the acknowledgement of lesser human beings and their adulation.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

      Of course, this outlook is an absurd presumption for any human being.\u00a0 We are all frail creatures. We cannot control nature or protect ourselves from its extremes.\u00a0 A single sick cell within our complex bodies can multiply unchecked and bring us to an untimely end.\u00a0 Our power and our influence over our destiny are illusionary.\u00a0 At times we may entertain an illusion of greatness, but a sudden change in our finances, the illness of a friend or family member brings reality home to us.<\/p>\n

      Because the discordance between reality and Haman’s fantasy was so extreme he was required to resort to extreme measures to maintain his illusion. His energy was devoted to supporting his fantasy and suppressing any evidence that contradicted his illusion of greatness.\u00a0 We can imagine Haman\u2019s thinking.\u00a0 If others experienced sudden financial ruin, it was because they were not as wise as he.\u00a0 If others were confronted by children or wives who rebelled against their authority, it was because they did not wield their authority as effectively as he.\u00a0 If others were struck by illness or even death, it was because they lacked his physical vigor.<\/p>\n

      Now, Haman’s reaction to Mordechai has a context and is understandable.<\/p>\n

      Mordechai was a lone, humble, exiled Jew.\u00a0 He was not a notable significant personage.\u00a0 In fact, before it was brought to his attention, Haman had no reason to monitor or even notice Mordechai’s behavior.\u00a0 However, once brought to his attention, Mordechai’s insignificance made his resistance an even greater affront and threat to Haman.\u00a0 That a simple, powerless, single, exiled Jew could resist his power and authority, was a complete contradiction to Haman’s illusion of greatness.\u00a0 It was impossible for Haman to reconcile Mordechai’s brave resistance with his all-consuming fantasy of power and grandeur.\u00a0 The Megilah beautifully captures all this in its description of Haman’s conversation with his wife and closest confidants.\u00a0 He enumerates\u00a0his accomplishments.\u00a0 He presents the impressive evidence of his greatness. Then, he declares that all of this is rendered meaningless and worthless by Mordechai’s resistance.\u00a0 How did Mordechai acquire such powerful sway over Haman?\u00a0 Ironically, Mordechai’s humble status and his insignificance gave him this power.\u00a0 His resistance undermined all of Haman’s efforts to create and maintain his fantasy of human greatness.\u00a0\u00a0 If this insignificant Jew could not be controlled and subdued, Haman’s claims to greatness would be proven to be nothing more than an illusionary pretense.<\/p>\n

      However, Haman recognized that Mordechai was the product of a worldview.\u00a0 Although the other Jews of Shushan may not have shared Mordechai’s bravery, Haman realized that the Torah was the source of Mordechai’s worldview and resistance.\u00a0 According to this worldview, no human being is all-powerful.\u00a0 The success of every human endeavor depends on the benevolence of a Creator who is truly omnipotent.\u00a0 Man is actually a weak and fragile creature dependent upon the kindness bestowed upon him by his true heavenly master.\u00a0 This day Mordechai stood alone in his courageous disobedience.\u00a0 However, as long as the people of the Torah existed, new \u201cMordechais\u201d would emerge.\u00a0 Haman knew that the threat to his fantasy was not only Mordechai.\u00a0 The true danger was presented by the Torah and those who studied and adhered to its lessons.\u00a0 This meant that the Jewish people must be destroyed with Mordechai.<\/p>\n

      And Haman said unto King Achashverosh: There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; and their laws are diverse from those of every people; neither do they keep the king’s laws.\u00a0 Therefore, it profits not the king to suffer them.\u00a0 (Megilat Esther 3:8)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Haman\u2019s manipulation of Achashverosh<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Haman’s fantasy of greatness was not contradicted by his subservience to the king.\u00a0 Haman realized that the king had ultimate authority.\u00a0 However, he was confident in his ability to manipulate Achashverosh to achieve his own ends.\u00a0 His success in convincing Achashverosh to kill his own loyal subjects confirmed to Haman that he was the true power in the kingdom. How was Haman able to so effectively control his king?\u00a0 What was his strategy?<\/p>\n

        The Megilah provides an indication of his methods in its introduction of Haman.\u00a0 It explains that Haman’s appointment as vizier followed the events described in the prior chapter.\u00a0 The final episode in the prior chapter was the plot by two of the king’s entourage to assassinate him.\u00a0 The Megilah explains that their plot was\u00a0uncovered by Mordechai, reported to the king, and they were executed. Apparently, this episode led to the appointment of Haman.<\/p>\n

        The opening passages of the Megilah describe two elaborate celebrations that Achashverosh convened to commemorate his consolidation of control over his kingdom.\u00a0 Our Sages explain that Achashverosh did not inherit his throne.\u00a0 He seized it.[3]<\/a>\u00a0 The plot against him by members of his own entourage suggested some members of the court continued to oppose him.\u00a0 Haman’s appointment followed Achashverosh’s narrow escape from assassination.\u00a0 This indicates that Achashverosh\u2019s appointment of Haman was at least partially motivated by concern over his personal security and the stability of his control over his kingdom.<\/p>\n

        Haman recognized Achashverosh’s preoccupation with his personal security and his fear that rebellion might erupt at any moment.\u00a0 He used these fears to manipulate his king.\u00a0\u00a0 He described the Jews as an ethnically discrete people that held itself apart from the rest of the population.\u00a0 He also noted\u00a0that the Jews lived throughout the kingdom.\u00a0 Haman understood that Achashverosh would perceive the Jews \u2013 described in this way \u2013 as a perfect fifth column.\u00a0 Their separateness would suggest to a paranoid Achashverosh that their loyalty should not be assumed.\u00a0 Their dispersion throughout the kingdom would suggest to him that they were potentially the basis for a widespread network of resistance to his authority.\u00a0 Achashverosh would conclude that the Jews posed an ongoing threat to his security.\u00a0 He would eagerly hand them over to Haman for extermination.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n

        In short, Haman was a perceptive interpreter of Achashverosh’s needs, desires, and fears.\u00a0 He understood how to utilize his insight into Achashverosh to pursue his own personal agenda.\u00a0 He combined this understanding with a capacity to package his own objectives in a form that would appeal to his king’s fears and insecurities.\u00a0\u00a0 Perhaps, these characteristics of Haman are the basis of the contention of the Sages that Haman and Memuchan were a single character.[5]<\/a><\/p>\n

        And Memuchan answered before the king and the princes: Vashti the queen has not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the peoples, who are in all the provinces of the king Achashverosh.\u00a0 For this deed of the queen will come abroad unto all women, to make their husbands contemptible in their eyes, when it will be said: The king Achashverosh commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

        And this day will the princesses of Persia and Media who have heard of the deed of the queen say the like unto all the king’s princes. So will there arise enough contempt and wrath.\u00a0 (Megilat Esther 1:16-18)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Memuchan is Haman<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Memuchan appears earlier in the Megilah than Haman.\u00a0 In this earlier episode, Queen Vashti was summoned by a drunken Achashverosh to display herself before the commoners of Shushan.\u00a0 Our Sages explain that Vashti was the scion of the royal family and refused to be made into a spectacle for the entertainment of the boorish king and his commoner companions.\u00a0 Achashverosh understood Vashti’s response as a rebuke,\u00a0a reminder of his humble origins, and as an expression of the queen’s pretensions of superiority.\u00a0 He responded with intense anger.[6]<\/a>\u00a0 Yet, he saw no means by which he could punish the queen.\u00a0 Apparently, he did not feel he could enter into a confrontation with a member of the royal family.<\/p>\n

          Memuchan provided Achashverosh with a solution. He suggested that Achashverosh recast his conflict with Vashti.\u00a0\u00a0 He should portray Vashti as a social radical promoting a dangerous attack on conventional family values \u2013 as a subversive social revolutionary determined to undermine the authority of husbands in their own homes.\u00a0 Thus recast, the conflict could be addressed. The king would play the role of champion of traditional values.\u00a0 He would be free to act against Vashti\u00a0and punish her as he pleased.<\/p>\n

          Memuchan understood his master’s true desires.\u00a0 He recognized that Achashverosh was not interested in his counselors’ advice regarding how to best respond to Vashti’s challenge to his authority.\u00a0 Achashverosh knew how he wanted to respond.\u00a0 He wished to severely punish his queen.\u00a0 Memuchan perceived that Achashverosh was seeking a means by which to exact his vengeance.\u00a0 Also, Memuchan demonstrated a remarkable capacity to package Achashverosh’s destruction of Vashti as a moral imperative.\u00a0 He transformed an act of personal vengeance into a courageous defense of fundamental social values.\u00a0 Both of these traits are identical to the talents demonstrated by Haman.\u00a0 Perhaps, these similarities suggested to the Sages that Haman and Memuchan were a single character.<\/p>\n

          ________________________________________-<\/p>\n

          [1]<\/a> Midrash Rabba, Esther 7:8.<\/p>\n

          [2]<\/a> See Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Days of Deliverance<\/em>, pp. 35-37.<\/p>\n

          [3]<\/a> Rabbeinu Shlomo ben Yitzchak (Rashi), Commentary on Megilat Esther <\/em>1:1.<\/p>\n

          [4]<\/a> Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Days of Deliverance<\/em>, pp. 81-85.<\/p>\n

          [5]<\/a> Masechet Megilah 12b.<\/p>\n

          [6]<\/a> Masechet Megilah 12b.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          And when Haman saw that Mordechai bowed not down, nor prostrated himself before him, then Haman was full of wrath.\u00a0 But it seemed contemptible in his eyes to lay hands on Mordechai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordechai.\u00a0 And Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":843,"featured_media":45105,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[348],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-45103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-purim"],"yoast_head":"\nIt's Not Easy Being Haman - Jewish Holidays<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/holidays\/not-easy-haman\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"It's Not Easy Being Haman - Jewish Holidays\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"And when Haman saw that Mordechai bowed not down, nor prostrated himself before him, then Haman was full of wrath.\u00a0 But it seemed contemptible in his eyes to lay hands on Mordechai alone; 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