Queen Esther for President

Yesterday was the Purim celebration at my Temple, and a few weeks ago, the Rabbi called me and asked if I'd like to participate in the purim spiel. Purim is an annual celebration of salvation of the Jews from the wicked Haman, through the leadership of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai in ancient Persia. Most congregations celebrate Purim raucously, and include play (or spiel) that touches on some of the highlights of the holiday and a tradition of getting so schnockered that one can't differentiate between the good guy and the bad guy.

This year's play was to be a candidate's debate, with Queen Esther, Haman and Mordecai all running for President of Shushan. We were each to prepare a stump speech, and be prepared for debate and questions. Unfortunately, the moderator led the group down a different path, so I never got to give my speech. So, here it is for posterity.

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When I was first nominated to run for President of Shushan, I’ll admit that I was rather taken aback. Similar to when I was chosen to be a candidate for becoming the new Queen, I originally hoped that if I didn’t call much attention to myself, that this might go away, and I could go back to my normal life.

But since the recent events that have transpired in Shushan, I realize that there is a need for a person like me, someone who is honest and modest and willing to make sacrifices for what is right, to step up and work to improve our community.
I believe that my track record in saving my people from destruction should speak for itself, but let me outline a few facets of that story that demonstrate the type of President that I will be.

For starters, when the King began to search for a new queen, and brought forward maidens from all over his lands, finery and cosmetics were offered to each of us to make ourselves over before meeting the King. I was the only lady to refuse these items, and met the King with no adornments. Instead of being seduced by the material wealth and glory associated with becoming queen, I focused on my spiritual heritage. As President of Shushan, I will not be swayed by riches, power and glory, and instead, will focus on what is right for the people.

When I learned about Haman’s plot to kill the Jews, I realized that outing myself as a Jew may well put my life in peril. However, my commitment to my people, and desire to do what is right overruled those fears—and I did step forward. As President of Shushan, this ability and willingness to understand when it is important to make sacrifices for a greater cause will help me to make measured and meaningful decisions for our community.

Finally, when I did devise a plan for alerting the King to Haman’s plot against the Jews, I took a very measured approach to telling him. I understood the King’s whims and devices, and slowly warmed him up to the issue by holding sumptuous banquets in his honor. What this should show you is that I am no newcomer to Shushan politics. I understand the power structure in this community, and how to work within it to accomplish all manner of objectives.

To close, you have a varied slate of candidates in front of you tonight. As you are casting your vote for President, think about what you are looking for in a leader. If you are looking for an individual with a track record of positive change, someone who will not be swayed by pride or riches, someone who understands the nature of sacrifice for a greater good, and someone who has the experience to understand Shushan politics, then cast your vote for me.