Krivitsky Bobby Mr. Golden History 210 October 9, 2011 Celebrating Esther Esther, queen of Persia, has tragically passed away. Esther came to power replacing queen Vashti along side the king of Persia, Ahasuerus. Esther's story is a most noble and courageous one, as her efforts helped to save the Jews and earn her the right of having a biblical book named after her (one of only three books in biblical tradition to be named after a female). (Day 317). Esther was originally born under the name Hadassah but upon entering the royal harem was given the Persian name Esther, which means star. Esther grew up an orphan, raised by her cousin Mordecai. (Book of Esther 428). Queen Vashti lost her crown when king Ahasuerus called for a seven-day feast in the palace of Shushan. During the feast, king Ahasuerus called upon his seven chamberlains to summon for Queen Vashti so that she may show the people her beauty. However, Vashti refused the king's summons. This greatly outraged the king and upon discussing it with his chamberlains and princes, Ahasuerus decided to remove Vashti from her royal estate. (Book of Esther 428). As a result, the king ordered his men to gather up all the fair young virgins that they could find and bringing them to Shushan palace. It was here that Esther gained the favor of the king and was ultimately crowned the new queen.
One day, Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate when he heard two of his chamberlains discussing a plan to kill the king. Mordecai then went and told Esther, ordering her to make Ahasuerus aware of this. Esther, who had the utmost respect for her cousin who raised her, obliged. At dinner that night, Esther told the king of his two chamberlains plan and as is another testament to her honor, credited Mordecai. As a result, the two men were hung. (Book of Esther 429). After this, king Ahasuerus promoted Haman and ordered that everyone bow to Haman. However, Mordecai refused to do so for as a Jew he would only bow to God. Haman, who was enraged by this, asked and was granted permission by the king to destroy the Jews. However, the king was not aware that queen Esther was Jewish. The ever-brave Esther then risked her life, going to the king's inner circle unannounced, a penalty which can result in death, saying, "If I perish, I Perish." (Book of Esther 430). When Esther approached the Ahasuerus, the king held out his scepter, symbolizing that she may in fact approach him. When Esther approached the king, she asked for Ahasuerus and Haman to attend a banquet that she had prepared for them. At this banquet, the ever-cunning Esther asked the king that he and Haman attend another one of her banquets the next day. (Book of Esther 430-431). It was at this banquet, that Esther told the king that she was Jewish and informed him that someone was planning on destroying her and her people. Ahasuerus was enraged by this, and when he asked who was plotting such a thing? Esther pointed and replied; it is that wicked Haman. Ahasuerus was then told of the fifty-foot gallow that Haman had prepared in order to hang Mordecai from and ordered that Haman be the one who is hung from it. (Book of Esther 433).
Starting with Mordecai taking Esther in, Esther and Mordecai worked selflessly together and helped to produce great results for each. While Mordecai helped Esther to become a queen, Esther helped Mordecai gain favor with the king was and even thrown a parade in his honor. The two not only helped better themselves, but their entire race, as they figured out a way to expose Haman to the king and save the Jewish people. Courageous efforts such as these are exactly why these two will always be remembered and will forever be praised by Jews of current and future generations. The heroism displayed by queen Esther can be traced to what was clearly instilled to her growing up by her cousin Mordecai. Esther's noble acts continuously displayed responsibility and accountability as she and her cousin Mordecai took initiative, took action and sacrificed their lives in order to save their people. (Day 319). Esther's bold and intrepid acts resemble that of another hero in Judaism, Moses. For just like Moses, Esther helped lead to protect the Jewish people and lead them to safety. Also, just as the heroic efforts of Moses resulted in a holiday and a festival, Esther's heroic acts have established a festival known as Purim. Given the nature of how Esther brought about this ultimate triumph, Purim is a festival that charges the Jewish people with observing charity and generosity, while doing what they can to help those less fortunate. (Day 320). Upon growing up with the hardship of having no mother or father, Esther went on to live a most luxurious life, becoming queen next to the king of Persia, king Ahasuerus. And yet, without even batting an eye, Esther was willing to sacrifice all of it and risk her life for the betterment of her cousin and of her people. (Hastings 773).
For such a courageous act, Esther was rewarded, saving herself, her cousin, and the Jewish people, all the while putting an end to the evil Haman. As a result of her bravery, Esther has been given the ultimate honor, having a biblical book named after her. Esther has cemented her place in Jewish history, as she is another hero responsible for saving and bettering the Jews. She will always be remembered and certainly will be missed. When I, a mere friend of Esther's was asked to produce her obituary, I was honored. I had just been handed down the task of not only summarizing the live of a dear friend but the live of someone who helped to save an entire race of people from being wiped out. Someone who helped to save my people, the Jews. Esther was a selfless friend and a selfless leader. She leaves behind a legacy of courage, nobility, and heroism. These three principles which Ester lived her life by will forever motivate me along with countless others to be brave and to take a stand for what is right. Esther's efforts and her friendship is something that not only will be cherished by me, but will be forever admired and respected by everyone who was close to her, which as a result of Esther's heroism is all of the Jewish people. I can only hope that with this obituary I did justice to someone who is a dear friend and a hero of the Jewish people.
Bibliography
Day, Linda. The New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible. Nashville: Volume 2, 2006. Print. Esther. www.Bible on the Web.com. <http://bibleontheweb.com/Bible.asp>. Hastings, James. A-Feasts. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1902. Print. Vitello, Paul. Doris Belack, Judge on TV's `Law & Order,' Dies at 85 www.New York Times.com http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/10/arts/television/doris-belack-judge-on-tvslaw-order-dies-at-85.html?_r=1&ref=obituaries