return , including in a “ post-messianic future ”. However , vigilant consciousness is not the same as internalized victimhood . Mordechai and Esther understood the real danger to the Jews posed by Haman ( much as we understand the dangers posed to us by worldwide hatred of Jews ). They fought him by aligning themselves politically with the government of King Achashverosh , arguing for the Jews ’ innocence , and defending our people . When that battle was over , they didn ’ t cower or obsess over anti-Jewish hatred ; they celebrated their redemption and the miracle of being alive as a community , knowing full well that they might need to defend themselves again .
Our Esther-Mordechai consciousness is what gives us the courage and the insight to declare that we the Jews aren ’ t going anywhere .
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