Heroic Values

By Rabbi Helene Kornsgold
KOACH Rabbinic Field Worker

By definition, a hero is a person distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility, fortitude, etc. or is idealized for possessing superior qualities in any field. However, people are not born as heroes. Heroes start out as ordinary men and women. It is their immense determination to accept responsibility and live according to high moral principles which makes them exceptional. In Judaism, our heroes teach more than history; they teach values. For this reason, we see them as role models and look to them for inspiration as to ways we too can have a positive impact on the world.

The Jewish understanding of accepting this responsibility is demonstrated through the performance of mitzvot. Therefore, most of the heroes celebrated by Jewish tradition have been those possessing qualities of mind and character that have affected our people as a whole. They were people who had a fighting spirit and staying power that stood their ground in matters of religious and ethical conviction.

Henrietta Szold (1860-1945), founder of Hadassah, spent her time and energy trying to fulfill the mitzvah of pikuah nefesh, saving a life. When one saves a life, it is as if he has saved an entire people. Szold became the director of Youth Aliyah, which saved the lives of thousands of Jewish children during World War II. She also helped establish the Hadassah Hospital in Israel.

Elie Wiesel said, "We believe that memory is the answer – perhaps the only answer." Zikaron is the mitzvah of remembrance. When he decided to make Schindler's List, Steven Spielberg began to fulfill this mitzvah. The film serves as a remembrance for the survivors of the Holocaust. It is important to remember the past and those who came before us. These memories help us live today and give us courage to face the future.

As the holiday of Purim approaches, we can look at the heroes of this story to learn additional lessons about how to live life. Esther might seem like a meek and young woman, but she discovers a strong sense of identity along the way. Without a mature understanding of herself and the meaning of her Judaism, she could not have taken the risks she did. It's not easy being Jewish in Persia, but Esther proudly announces her Jewishness and risks her life to save her people. Esther performed the mitzvah of K'lal Yisrael. Perhaps you can take a bold step this Purim and reveal your Jewish self. Take on a ritual you may be afraid of or be embarrassed about beginning. Take one step toward keeping kosher, light Shabbat candles or enroll in a Hebrew class. Release your inner Jew!!

Mordechai's combination of fearlessness and faith in God enables him to rise above the Persian politicians who indulge themselves and lose sight of the larger good. Regardless of the consequences, he holds steadfast to his beliefs, refusing to bow down to Haman. He never puts his ego above his convictions or forgets the suffering of his people. Because of the comforts our own lives may offer, it takes courage to stand up and call attention to the suffering of others. But people around the world still suffer. Infused with the spirit of Mordechai, we can stop standing by in silence and actively take part in decreasing the amount of suffering which exists.

As we enthusiastically prepare to celebrate Purim and rejoice once again in the survival of the Jewish people, it is fitting to ask ourselves the following question, "In what ways might I try to emulate the actions of these heroes in my own life?"

Let this Purim be the time when you take off your mask and reveal to yourself the heroic qualities you already embody and use them to continue to make the world a better, more peaceful place for everyone!

Hag Purim Sameah!!!

[Posted 3/6/11]