The Purim story centers around four main characters: Esther, Mordecai, Achashverosh, and Haman. In the story, Esther becomes the Queen of King Achashverosh. Haman is the chief politician of the time who orders increasing stringencies on the Jewish people of Persia. Mordecai, who happens to also be Esther's uncle (or cousin), famously refuses one of the decrees; to bow down to Haman. Haman, being so offended by his insolence, convinces King Achashverosh to kill all of the Jews. Mordecai convinces his niece to speak to the king on behalf of her people.
Long story short... She does and saves the Jewish people from annihilation. Instead Haman and his sons are hung instead of the Jews.
There is another character that gets little mention in this story. Vashti. Vashti was the queen before Esther. She opened the gates to Esther being in the right place at the right time.
Let's back up. King Achashverosh was a drunken, gluttonous, and lustful man. He threw banquets with naked women, food, and wine for his politicians, advisors and friends regularly. One night, Vashti, his queen, was summoned to come and dance naked, except for her crown, for him and his guests.
In an astounding act of defiance (perhaps bravery), she refused. We're talking about a woman that lived in Persia in the 4th or 5th century BCE standing up to a powerful man and saying no.
Vashti's no, led to Esther's yes.
Vashti had to say no, so that Esther could be placed in the right place at the right time.
No one was allowed to approach the King and ask for something. Yet Esther said yes and took to the opportunity to save the Jewish people... and succeeded.
With that first step of insubordination and independence, Vashti was able to open the doors to Esther's time on the throne. She was able to gain audience with the king, speak the truth, and gain justice for her people.
In the entire story of Purim, there is no mention of the name of Gd. Instead we learn that although Gd may be hidden, Gd's hand is still guiding us. Gently pushing for a no, so that a later the right yes was in the right place at the right time. Hidden miracles are revealed after the fact, and it's our job to notice them.
Right now, there are both hidden and revealed miracles all around us. Take the time to notice and be grateful for them.
Purim Sameach.
Women. Life. Freedom.
It's time for the Esther's (and Vashti's) of the world to unite. Our power is unsurpassable.
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