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A Courageous Celebration
Audacity and Chutzpah save the day
The wind was howling as we drove up into the mountain synagogue to celebrate Purim. You might not have heard the story of Queen Esther who saved her people from annihilation through acts of personal courage, but this is a joyful springtime Jewish holiday that retells the story of evil averted through audacity, resilience, and determination. Perhaps the wind is cheering for the chutzpah, wisdom, and faith, all of which we need in these crazy times.
This holiday is full of laughter, jokes, and fun. People wear costumes and send each other gifts of sweets and cookies shaped like the tri-pointed hat the villain of the story wore. Even though this is a light-hearted holiday, it marks survival in a frightening time, a story that has been repeated throughout history. We are not just rejoicing in our ability to endure and persevere, we are reminding ourselves that the courage of one person can change the world.
Often it is the actions of one person that create powerful ripples of transformation in the world. Courage inspires courage in others. Resilience breeds fortitude. And faith leads others to embrace hope.
I hope this Shabbat, this week, helps you find the courage, wisdom, and faith to deal with the joys and challenges of the world. Shabbat Shalom.
