I found the Book of

I found the Book of Esther to be a compelling story that touched me to the core.  I saw the most powerful message was the very absence of God from the text.  It served to remind me that oftentimes we have to help ourselves if we expect to be helped.  I believe that the Jews of the Diaspora must have felt the very same way as they sought to survive in a foreign land.  They were trying to live out their lives and found themselves plagued by the same problems that afflict so many minority communities.  Powerful forces were arrayed against them, they were singled out for their unique beliefs and practices, and they made enemies who sought to destroy them.  Were it not for their own actions, enacted on their own behalf, it seemed likely they would be encompassed by the doom that surrounded them.  Esther’s personal bravery is the brightest spot in the story.  She was in the right place at the right time to do here people a great service and she was willing to put her faith into action.  Through her example she shows us the courage of selflessness and commitment.  She puts her own life at risk in order to serve her people.  She does what is within her power to attempt and does so with resolute steadfastness. Her example teaches us what each of us can do if we just put forth the effort and use the tools at our disposal, and do so without fear in service of a greater good.

The Book of Esther taught the exilic people to rely on themselves, to use the tools, their abilities, their own cunning, whatever they have at their disposal to survive.  But, for this strategy to be successful there must sometimes be situations where they must be willing to put themselves at risk in order to accomplish their goal.  God will provide for them if they are willing to provide for themselves.