This month we celebrate the holiday of Purim, which commemorates the story of Purim from the Persian Empire, where King Achashverosh ruled the people under his monarchy. In this story, the Jewish people were losing sight of their identity as they were encouraged to assimilate. The Jewish leaders of the time, Mordechai and Esther, stepped up to the plate and represented the Jews as a people and as a nation. They were victorious in their endeavor to save the Jewish people from Haman’s evil decree to annihilate the Jewish people. Not only were Mordechai and Esther’s efforts successful in saving the people, but also in saving their pride and identity. It is through our true pride in who we are and what we represent that make us our most authentic selves. Mordechai and Esther’s actions teach us that when we step up to the plate and stand up for who we are, we make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
When our identity is challenged in today’s world, it is important that we utilize every opportunity to take action, to do what we can to make a difference, and to do so proud of who we are and what we represent.
At the JAA, we proudly dedicate ourselves to provide care and services to our seniors and the community. It is a special honor for the JAA to share our way of giving and caring with our residents, families, and community. May we continue to share our united form of identity, to give, to care, and to truly make a difference together.
-Rabbi Dovid Small