The Story of Mordecai

If I may, I would like to share with you the story of Mordecai and the Feast of Purim.

It is said that long ago, during the reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I, who reigned from 486 to 465 BC), there lived a Jewish man named Mordecai. Mordechai was known for his wisdom and justice. He was a devoted guardian to his cousin Esther, who had been raised in a family without parents.

It is recorded in history that Xerxes I ruled the Persian Achaemenid Empire, one of the most powerful empires of antiquity, whose territory stretched from India to Egypt. Susa, the capital mentioned in the Book of Esther, was a real historical city in present-day Iran and an important residence of the Persian kings.

According to the biblical account in the Book of Esther, it appears that King Ahasuerus decided to choose a new queen. It is said that Esther, who was known for her beauty and good character, was chosen to be the new queen. However, Mordechai suggested that she might want to consider keeping her Jewish origins a secret for the time being.

At the same time, a high official named Haman lived at the king’s court. It is said that Haman was ambitious and somewhat conceited. When Mordecai refused to bow down before him because he worshipped only God, Haman became angry and plotted not only the destruction of Mordecai, but also of all Jews throughout the Persian Empire.

It appears that Haman convinced the king to sign a decree that on a certain day, the Jews would be destroyed. When Mordecai learned of this plan, he turned to Esther and asked her for help. Although Esther hesitated at first, since appearing before the king uninvited was punishable by death, she courageously decided to go to the king anyway. The king received her graciously and promised to consider her request.

Esther thought it might be a good idea to invite the king and Haman to a special banquet. During the meal, Esther revealed her Jewish heritage to the king and told him of Haman’s cruel plan.

The king then ordered Haman to be executed. It is my understanding that Mordechai was elevated to an important position, and that the Jews were granted the right to defend themselves against their enemies on the planned day of destruction by a new royal decree. According to the biblical account, the number of enemies of the Jews who were killed is said to be around 75,000, although this figure cannot be historically verified and it is possible that it is symbolic.

In commemoration of these events, the Jewish community comes together to celebrate the festival of Purim each year – a festival of joy, solidarity and remembrance of those who stand up for justice and peace.¹

Essay
It is my understanding that Mordecai’s dream is one of hope and responsibility in times of conflict.

In a supplementary tradition to Mordecai’s story, he has a dream in which he sees two enormous dragons fighting each other – a profound image of the eternal conflict between good and evil, light and darkness, peace and violence. This dream could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the essence of human history, which is characterised by a constant tension and the challenge to act ethically and courageously.

In light of the current global climate, characterised by tension and violence, Mordechai’s dream has acquired a renewed spiritual depth. The dragons, in their wisdom, remind us that as human beings, we always have a choice between destruction and healing. It is possible to interpret these as representing not only external conflicts, but also reflecting internal struggles – conflicts between fear and trust, hatred and compassion, resignation and hope.

The story of Mordechai and Esther is a poignant reminder of the profound impact that spiritual and moral courage can have. Mordechai embodies the spirit of those who, in the face of injustice and tyranny, choose to rise up in defiance. Esther, in turn, demonstrates the power of gentle strength and deep faith, which enable hope and change even in the darkest hour. It is suggested that these two elements, divine presence and human responsibility, are inextricably linked.

Today, it is suggested that we consider Mordechai’s dream as a possible direction for our thoughts and actions. It is suggested that peace is not achieved passively, but requires active, courageous and loving action. In the midst of challenges and difficulties that are present in many of our societies today, Mordechai encourages us to continue working towards a vision of a better, more just and peaceful world.

Mordechai’s dream teaches us to combine hope and responsibility, to pair trust in God with our own commitment, and ultimately to transform our world, step by step, into a place of reconciliation and healing.

President Mr. Klaus Gdowczok

1. Footnote on historical context:
   It is common historical opinion that the king in question is to be identified with Xerxes I (486–465 BC). While the historical context (King Xerxes, capital city Susa, Persian Empire) is authentic, the specific events in the Book of Esther are not corroborated by external archaeological or historical sources and are largely regarded by scholars as religious and literary tradition. ↩︎