Esther in America

Queen Esther might be a costume of choice on Purim for young Jewish children around the world, but she is also known for inspiring America and its citizens for hundreds of years. In fact, the presence of her name is revealed when examining episodes in American history ranging from colonists rebelling against England to New York City’s most recently elected mayor. Indeed, the story of Queen Esther – the heroine of the Purim story – continues to provide motivation and joy to people of all stripes and ages around the globe.

Big Ideas

• Characters and statements from the Purim story continue to crop up at significant times in American history and life.
• One of Mordechai’s most famous lines from the Purim story – “maybe you were brought here for just this reason” – is now a motivational phrase in American life.
• Stories from the Hebrew Bible have outlasted entire civilizations, giving people an opportunity to better understand themselves, their shortcomings, their victories, and their future.

Essential Questions

• Why is Esther such a powerful force for an array of figures in American history?
• How has the Purim story motivated people in America from slaves to authors to politicians?
• In what ways does the Purim theme of “things are not what they seem” come true in American life. (In answering, think of the people whom the theme inspired.)