Purim is a holiday of joy and remembrance. There is a carnival spirit to the holiday celebration of the triumph of Mordecai and Esther in thwarting King Ahasuerus’s advisor Haman’s scheme to exterminate all the Jews in the Persian empire. In brief, Esther’s revelation to the king of her Jewish identity, and Haman’s intent to kill her leads to his downfall and the nullification of his nefarious plans. After ordering Haman’s execution, Ahasuerus appoints Mordecai to be his advisor (equivalent to that of a prime minister). The king issues a new decree granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies.
Some read the pseudohistorical story as a comedy. The characters are one-dimensional, and the account is full of outrageous embellishments and exaggerations. There is a burlesque element, with its drunken nobles, a harem of women, hints of the risqué. Others take the tale as historical fact. There is, however, one point of agreement among both interpretations. They both acknowledge the invisible hand of God working to redeem His people. This is the only biblical book that does not mention God, though in chapter 4: 14, the Divine Presence is strongly referred to.
The Purim synagogue service is boisterous and joyous. In many congregations, the biblical scroll is read solemnly, reserving the celebratory party for afterwards. Adults and children come dressed in costumes. In other congregations, the chanting of the megillah Esther (the scroll of Esther), is constantly interrupted by loud noises, booing, and using noisemakers whenever Haman’s name is mentioned, which is fifty-five times. After the service, there is a party with food, drinks, and the performance of skits.
Charity to others is a commandment. Among the customs of Purim are sheloah manot (giving presents, usually food and drink to a friend), and mattanot la-evyonim (giving gifts of money to people experiencing poverty), and seudat Purium (having a festive meal on the day of Purim).
Time and memory. The memory of a moment when we are redeemed is essential to Judaism and Christianity. In both faiths, there is also hope for redemption, though each understands this from different perspectives. What both faiths contend with is the figure of Haman. Haman is revived in both of our histories. Both religions have felt his enmity. This is not the place to discuss the ecumenical divide, persecutions, and blood accusations. Rather, let the focus be on our common enemy⸺ Haman.
Haman stands before us today. Yet many of us in the Jewish and Christian communities fail to recognize him. Some in both faiths celebrate his commitment to Israel and position on antisemitism. According to the Anti-Defamation League report issued this past January, 46% of the world’s adult population hold “deeply entrenched antisemitic attitudes.” Among those are persons in Donald Trump’s administration. The president tells us that his focus is on antisemitism on college and university campuses. We fail to hear what he is saying and what his actions reveal. His attack is on the educational system. Antisemitism is secondary, if that. Trump closely aligns himself with Elon Musk. Musk continued to support European extremist right-wing groups after visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in January, 2024. Following his visit to the camp, he stated that the tragedy of the Holocaust “hits you much more in the heart when you see it in person.” Yet he continues to finance and support politicians who adhere to the antisemitic “Great Replacement Theory.” He denies being a Nazi, but he posts Nazi puns.
There is antisemitism in academia. We cannot deny the antisemitism espoused during campus protests. I have encountered antisemitism personally, not only in a campus environment. It permeates our atmosphere in a smog of podcasts, social media, and conversations that spread ignorance, misinformation, and hate. There is a normalization of antisemitism taking place in the United States. However, we must acknowledge that the president has yet to condemn his supporters who articulate and support the rise of antisemitism.
In the Book of Esther, we read that Haman was guided by arrogance, pride, and self-interest. He wanted revenge and retribution. Our contemporary Haman mirrors this same line of conduct and line of reasoning. His pardoning of the January 6th rioters, placing loyalists in charge of government agencies, taking control of and closing independent agencies to consolidate and centralize power, his attacks on his perceived enemies, is ideologically polarizing as he and his administration undermine our liberal democracy. There are attacks on LGBQT, civil rights, minority rights, and immigration rights. His normalization of racial, gender, and immigration discrimination is dehumanizing and creates a hostile environment for all Americans. We cannot allow this denial and shredding of the plurality of the nation’s fabric.
We Jews and Christians must acknowledge the truth of what is at stake, read between the lines of what is being said, and work together ecumenically. Our unity, despite our theological differences, builds strength.
Our failure to recognize Haman in our midst is a failure of memory, a failure to acknowledge the disconnect between rhetoric, conduct, and action, and, most importantly, a moral and ethical failure.
Like Mordecai and Esther, we must find the faith and courage to refuse to bow to Haman.
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https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/23/business/elon-musk-nazi-jokes/index.html
Charles van Heck's Woodhull Journal 
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