So Small Yet So Big By AJ Seplowitz (‘22)

2022/5782

How did Esther perfectly execute her master plan? How did she develop the courage to risk her own life to save the Jewish people from the pogrom ordered by Haman? The answer to these questions can be found within the story itself. Although it might seem vague, as you dig a little deeper it all becomes clear. 

The title of this article is derived from a specific piece of the story that seems so small alone, but when put in the context of the story, it is actually a vital detail: the act of Haman falling onto Esther's bed. Following the second “Mishteh”, or party, Haman fell onto Esther’s bed, begging for his life, and Achashverosh walked in the room at that exact moment. How could this miniscule action of Haman be so important? 

Hashem conducts everything in this world according to a plan. Esther had a master plan but without the Yad of Hashem coming into play, it would not have been able to be executed. Haman falling onto Esther's bed in the first place was entirely conducted from above. Then, it was followed by Achashverosh walking into the room seconds later which is clearly perfectly timed by Hashem. The whole Purim story is a bunch of puzzle pieces perfectly put together. Each event and occurrence was planned by HaKadosh Baruch Hu - eventually leading to the triumph of Esther and the Jewish people. 

The same goes with the events in our lives. Each circumstance we are put into and each experience placed upon us is just another piece of the grand puzzle. Even the subtle things are all part of a bigger picture. Although a puzzle may seem imperfect before being completed, once the puzzle is complete it emerges into a masterpiece. Our lives have many ups and downs. However, if we constantly remind ourselves that Hashem conducts every single thing happening in our lives it will help us understand when we perceive things that may not appear good or in our best interest. As we celebrate the Chag of Purim, where the main theme is happiness, it seems only practical to institute this mindset and apply it. As it says in Tehillim 121:5 “ה’ צלך על־יד ימינך,” meaning, Hashem is by your right hand. First put in the effort, and see where you end up. Start your “plan” and shape your life on your own. Whatever is missing, Hashem will fill in, and ultimately everything “falls” into place.

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