Purim: Behind the Mask
In the chapters of Megillat Esther, a drama unfolds that reflects the challenges of our world. On the surface, it is a story about a lavish banquet hosted by a Persian king. However, our sages reveal what happened behind the scenes: a head-on clash between two opposing worldviews.
The Talmud (Tractate Megillah 12b) highlights how King Ahasuerus’ feast became the ultimate example of moral degradation. Under the influence of excessive wine, the atmosphere shifted from a royal celebration to a display of vulgarity. By treating Queen Vashti as a mere exhibition piece, Ahasuerus demonstrated the core of immorality—the reduction of a human being, created in the Divine image, to an object of self-gratification.
For idolaters, the world is merely a material collection of tools for self-gratification. There is no sanctity in family life, no respect for the “other,” and no self-restraint. When the ego is the sole ruler, the result is inevitable chaos and self-destruction. We see this clearly when Ahasuerus, burning with rage and wounded pride, makes fateful decisions driven by drunkenness rather than justice.
The Sages teach us that even the most physical acts—eating and drinking—can become acts of holiness. The war on idolatry includes a rejection of the culture that sanctifies only the body, the urges, and the addictions. Noahides are commanded to maintain a world of justice and law, and the basis for this is the recognition that every person is created in the image of G-d and is not a tool for the personal use of anyone else.
The story of the Megillah teaches us about the eternity of faith. Faith in the Holy One, blessed be He, allows us to maintain dignity even in the darkness characterized by lawlessness and wickedness. Victory does not belong to the loudest or the most powerful, but to those connected to the Creator. In the midst of chaos, the Seven Commandments of the Noahides are an island of stability. They allow us to remain moral and connected to the source of life. By educating us to love the Creator and respect His creation, these Seven Laws pave the path to true global redemption.
Source: Tractate Megillah 12b. Torah Or Tetzaveh 83:4.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions: Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.
Serving G-d with Joy: A Guide for Jews and Bnei Noah to Serving the Creator with Joy