tell my mother I was converting and everyone else in my family as well . Some months passed and I had not followed through on my promise , but then October 7 th happened and the fire to disclose myself dimmed .
About three weeks after October 7 th , I experienced an antisemitic incident at work . The person did not know I was in the conversion process . Their words truly disturbed me , so I reported the person to my supervisors . After an investigation , the person formally apologized , but added , “ Why is she upset ? She ’ s not even Jewish .” Not long after this event , my mother was diagnosed with cancer . Two days before her major surgery , I yearned for Esther ’ s bravery and finally told my mother I was converting to Judaism . Unfortunately , I did not have Esther ’ s clear manner of speaking and I stumbled on my words , got my tongue twisted , and had to repeat myself . To my shock , my mother responded , with a smile , “ I know .” I said , “ But I ’ ve been hiding it from you for three years .” And she answered , “ You didn ’ t hide it very well .”
Fast forward to now , I follow Esther ’ s example and my mother ’ s words . Years ago , I maneuvered through daily life like a spy , trying to fit in . Most recently , I visited family I had not seen in a long time and when we went out to eat , they asked where I currently go to church and I replied , without hesitation , “ I don ’ t . I go to a synagogue . I ’ m Jewish .”
Though Purim is a holiday with the theme of concealment , it is vital not to live a life of disguise . Unleashing our identity is a weapon against antisemitism because we can show our joy , vigor , and resilience , despite what the opposition says . In Esther 4:14 , Mordecai tells Esther in a message : “ If you keep silent in this crisis , relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another quarter , while you and your father ’ s house will perish .”
In the end , Esther did not keep silent and neither should we .
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