JEWISH HOLIDAYS

Let’s Talk About Esther, Hamantaschen, and Kicking Antisemitism to the Curb

Ah, Purim! The holiday where we dress up, eat triangular cookies, and get so excited about groggers that we make them sound like a toddler found their parent’s car keys. But behind all the costumes, carnivals, and hamantaschen (apricot lovers, I see you), there’s a deeper story—a tale of courage, resilience, and one seriously gutsy queen who taught us how to stand up against antisemitism.

Now, let’s be real: antisemitism is not a fun topic. It’s like that guest who shows up uninvited, eats all the snacks, and leaves the place worse than they found it. And while it’s tempting to just ignore that guest, the Book of Esther reminds us why we can’t afford to stay silent.

Esther: The OG Heroine

First, let’s give it up for Esther, the queen with the crown and the courage. When we first meet her, she’s just a Jewish girl hiding her identity in the Persian royal palace. Her cousin Mordecai, meanwhile, gets into it with Haman, a guy so villainous he could give Disney bad guys a run for their money. Haman decides that because Mordecai won’t bow to him, the logical solution is to commit genocide. (Someone’s got serious ego issues, am I right?)

What does Esther do? She steps up. She risks her life, approaches the king without an invitation (a royal no-no), and calls out Haman’s evil plan. She doesn’t have a cape, but she’s every bit the superhero. Her bravery saves her people, and she reminds us all that sometimes, you’ve got to channel your inner Queen Esther and speak up—even if your heart is pounding louder than a room full of Purim revelers cheering for the winner of the best costume of the day. (My mom always wins! She rocks a Purim costumes)

Antisemitism Then and Now

Here’s the thing: Haman’s kind of hatred didn’t end in ancient Persia. It’s still lurking around today, like that relative who always double-dips in the chopped liver. From hate speech to vandalism, antisemitism is on the rise, and it’s as ugly as ever. But if Esther could stand up to it with nothing but her wits, her courage, and her fabulous palace wardrobe, what’s stopping YOU?

I know, I know—standing up is hard. Speaking out can feel like trying to stop a stampede with a toothpick. But silence isn’t an option. If we don’t call out antisemitism when we see it, who will? Esther didn’t wait for someone else to save the day, and neither can we.

Purim: The Party with a Purpose

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the genius of Purim. It’s a holiday that says, “Hey, remember that time someone tried to wipe us out? Let’s celebrate by throwing a rager and eating cookies shaped like their hat!” Only the Jewish people could take a story of near-destruction and turn it into an excuse for costumes, feasting, and gift-giving. That’s resilience, baby.

And those hamantaschen? They’re more than just a tasty treat. They’re a symbol of triumph over evil, a delicious way to say, “Nice try, Haman, but we’re still here.” (By the way, if you prefer Nutella filling, we need to talk.)

What We Can Learn from Esther

Here’s the big takeaway from Esther’s story: You don’t have to be royalty to make a difference. You don’t need a tiara or a royal decree. You just need courage, determination, and maybe a cousin like Mordecai to give you a pep talk when you’re doubting yourself.

Standing up to antisemitism today might mean speaking out on social media, educating others, or supporting organizations that fight hate. It might mean having uncomfortable conversations with people who just don’t get it. Whatever it looks like, the important thing is to do something.

A Future of Hope and Hamantaschen

Purim isn’t just a celebration of the past—it’s a blueprint for the future. It’s a reminder that even when things look bleak, there’s always room for hope, action, and, yes, joy. So, this Purim, let’s channel our inner Esthers. Let’s stand up to hate, fight for justice, and maybe even throw a party while we’re at it.

And don’t forget to laugh. Laugh at the absurdity of Haman’s plans. Laugh at your costume that didn’t quite turn out the way you envisioned or turned out to be awesome like my mom’s. Laugh because joy is the ultimate act of defiance in the face of hate.

Chag Purim Sameach, my friends. May your holiday be filled with courage, hamantaschen, and the loudest groggers you can find. Because the story of Purim isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Elicia Brand Leudemann