The Book of Esther is more than a historical record of the exile. It offers a framework for understanding how G d acts in history. Its defining feature is concealment: G d’s Name does not appear even once, yet every event unfolds according to His plan. The Megillah teaches that what seems random is, in truth, part of a larger design.

Today, as the Jewish people face prolonged, multi-front threats—most urgently from Iran and its proxies—public attention naturally focuses on military strength, strategic planning, diplomacy, and deterrence. These elements are real and necessary, but the Megillah reminds us that the visible is only part of the picture. Much is determined behind the scenes.

The name “Esther” reflects hester panim, the concealment of........

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