A paradox of Jewish fragility and heroism.

by Meir Soloveichik

Mr. Soloveichik is the rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel and director of Yeshiva University’s Straus Center.

A perplexing paradox lies at the heart of Purim, the holiday celebrated this week by Jews around the world. No day is more associated with Jewish joy; yet, rightly understood, the scriptural source of our celebration, the biblical book of Esther, proclaims a terrifying teaching.

Let us briefly review the plot.

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