The book of Esther turns fate into destiny.
The pur, the cast lot, along with powerful forces influence our lives. There is so much of which we have no control. What will be? We do not know.
However, there are moments when, if we are present and feel God’s presence within us, when we are listening deeply and also expressing our own voices, then we make all the difference in the world, for us, for those close to us, and for the kind of society we wish to have.
The megillah opens with the silencing of women and continues with a decree against Jews.
There is no revelation in the book of Esther. God is revealed through Esther’s choice to make her fate into destiny and to make her voice heard.
That is when God’s presence in our world is revealed.
May we embody at this time, gentleness and courage for his or her fellow, care for the poor, sanctity of life and care for our own fragile humanity and that of those around us.
May we experience the Divine presence that pulses within us letting our colors shine through and elevating fate into destiny.
