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Why did Mordechai instruct Esther to conceal the fact that she was Jewish?

by Rabbi Yossi Marcus

  

Library » Holidays » Purim » The Story | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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The commentators offer a number of reasons. Here’s two:

1. Mordechai wanted to make sure that she would be able to continue observing the commandments of the Torah. The Persian court was not known for its friendliness toward Jewish custom. So as long as she kept her Jewishness a secret it would be easier for her to keep the commandments in secret (Ibn Ezra).

2. He was afraid that one day Ahasuerus might get angry at Esther as he did at Vashti. If he knew she was Jewish, he might take out his anger on the whole nation (Targum).

TAGS: mordechai, esther

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Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Esther
1. Jewish wife of Persian King Ahasuerus in the 4th century BCE. Foiled the plot of Haman, the prime minister, to exterminate all the Jews. The holiday of Purim commemorates this miraculous salvation. 2. One of the 24 Books of the Bible, which chronicles the abovementioned story.
Ahasuerus
King of the Persian Empire in the 4th century BCE. Husband of Esther, heroine of the Purim story.
Mordechai
Cousin of Queen Esther, and Jewish leader in the 4th century BCE. Played a large role in saving the Jews after Haman, the Persian prime minister, plotted to exterminate them all. The holiday of Purim was established to commemorate this miracle.
Ezra
1. A Hebrew priest and scribe, who, together with Nehemiah, revived Judaism in the 4th century BCE. He was instrumental in the building of the 2nd Temple. 2. One of the 24 books of the Bible, which describes the events of Ezra's lifetime.