Podcasts religion From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life Shabbat Sermon: Esther Syndrome with Rav Hazzan Aliza Berger

Shabbat Sermon: Esther Syndrome with Rav Hazzan Aliza Berger

Published: March 23, 2019, 2 p.m.

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At the beginning of chapter two in the megillah, the talented heroine of Purim is introduced by two names. In the words of the megillah:

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[And he was the guardian of Hadassah, (that is, Esther) the daughter of his uncle] (sung)

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Why did she have these two names? The midrash explains that Esther was born green. Literally. Her skin had a sallow, yellowish-green tone and for this reason, she was named Hadassah\\u2014myrtle. As a little one, she looked like the plant. But as she grew older, God made a miracle for her. God concealed her green skin and made it so that anyone who saw her experienced her as the most beautiful woman in the world. That\\u2019s why she was named Esther\\u2014Esther for hester\\u2014the Hebrew word meaning hidden.

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 The miracle of Purim is not just that Esther saved the day. The real miracle of Purim is that Esther found the courage to be herself no matter what.

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Purim is over. Let\\u2019s take off our masks. No more Esther syndrome. It\\u2019s time to be you.

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