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Why did Mordechai stand up to Haman so publicly — shouldn’t we do things subtly?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

  

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

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Normally you are correct; one shouldn't go looking for trouble. There is no Mitzvah to stand outside a church on Sunday mornings proclaiming that you don't believe that Jesus was the Messiah!

So it would seem that it would have been appropriate for Mordechai to simply stay at home rather than inducing the anger of the most influential person in the Persian Empire. After all, if not for the incredibly miraculous Purim story, Mordechai's obstinateness could have led to the annihilation of our people!

Here are two possible explanations for Mordechai's behavior:

Mordechai could have preached about the gravity of bowing to an idol, but the lesson is so much more powerful when the teacher is a living example of his teachings
1. Many Jewish people were bowing to the pagan statue which Haman wore around his neck. By refusing to bow, Mordechai wanted to set an example for his Jewish brethren. "Actions speak louder than words." Mordechai could have preached about the gravity of bowing to an idol, but the lesson is so much more powerful when the teacher is a living example of his teachings.

As for the danger which Mordechai placed himself, and his fellow Jews, through his actions -- Mordechai knew that no bad would come from doing the proper thing. And at this point, due to Mordechai's position as Jewish leader of the times, this action was actually demanded of him.

2. Mordechai was an advisor in Ahasuerus' royal court. This is alluded to in the Megillah (2:21): "In those days, when Mordechai was sitting in the king's gate."

It is quite possible that his position in the royal palace did not allow him to "avoid" Haman. If he was summoned by the king, he couldn't very well respond, "I'll come as soon as Haman leaves for the day..."


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Mitzvah
(pl. Mitzvot). A commandment from G-d. Mitzvah also means a connection, for a Jew connects with G–d through fulfilling His commandments.
Purim
A one-day holiday celebrated in late winter commemorating the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a decree of annihilation issued by Persian King Ahasuerus in the year 356 BCE.
Megillah
A scroll. Usually a reference to the Book of Esther, one of the books of the "Written Torah", which is read--from a scroll--on the holiday of Purim.
Haman
Descendant of anti-Semitic tribe of Amalek and prime minister of the Persian Empire in the 5th century b.c.e. Schemed to annihilate all the Jews, and the holiday of Purim was established when the plot was foiled.
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.