By Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Director of Project Kavod
Among the many powerful themes in the Purim story is that of identity. How are we marginalized or privileged based on our identity? When are we celebrated and when are we denigrated? At JFS, we strive to serve all members of our community and honor the range of identities that each person carries. We affirm the dignity of all people and the rights that they deserve, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual identity, ability, religion, or any other aspects of what makes us who we are.
At any given time in history, there are people who are being targeted because of their identity. While the story of Purim tells of the persecution of the Jews of Persia, it reminds us to act with courage for those who are being targeted right now.
At the heart of the story of Purim is Queen Esther, who conceals her identity as a Jew when she is chosen as the new queen by King Achashverosh.
Hiding who she is becomes even more critical as the story unfolds. Haman, an advisor to the king, proposes killing all the Jews in Achashverosh’s vast kingdom. They are not like the rest of us. They are dangerous. The king, convinced by Haman’s arguments and bribery, agrees.
Mordechai, Esther’s uncle and a leader in the community, sends word to Esther. It is time. This is not merely about your safety anymore. The Jewish people need you. “Who knows”, he says, “if it was for this moment that you were put into a position of power? (Esther 4:14).”
Esther devises a plan and convinces the king to enact another decree, allowing the Jews to fight back.
Her decision to reveal her identity could have easily resulted in her death. After all, she had deceived the king and was among the “others” that Haman had warned about. But she was the only one with the power to influence Achashverosh, to right the wrong which was being perpetrated. She had to act.
The words of Esther’s Uncle Mordechai echo throughout the generations.
At this time in our country, we are witnessing attacks on the people and communities JFS exists to support. Among those are LGBTQ+ people, and within that group transgender people are being targeted in particularly harmful ways. There are over 600 anti-trans bills which have been introduced in 49 states and at the federal level. Transgender people are being forced to suppress their identities. They face increased discrimination and violence. They are being targeted in healthcare, education, and more. A recent study has shown a deeply troubling correlation between anti-trans legislation and increased suicide attempts among transgender youth.
This is a matter of life and death.
But unlike in the story of Esther, it is not one person, or even one group of people, who hold the power. Each of us must speak out, using our voices and influence to advocate for the rights and recognition of transgender people in our country.
At the end of the megillah, the Jews experienced “light and happiness, joy and dignity.” (Esther 8:16)
לַיְּהוּדִים הָיְתָה אוֹרָה וְשִׂמְחָה וְשָׂשׁוֹן וִיקַר
This is what the Jews – denigrated and targeted – needed and deserved. This, too, is what our trans friends, family, and community deserve.
May this holiday, and the strength of Esther, inspire and challenge us to use our voices and our power to help those who are most threatened in this moment.
Visit Keshet to learn more about the intersections between LGBTQ+ and Jewish identities.
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