Teaching the weekly Torah portion, parshat hashavua, I am always struck by the observation that in every parsha, there is a lesson that seems to have been written exactly for whatever situation we are in. Sometimes it is something very personal; sometimes it speaks exactly to what our nation is going through.

What can Megillat Esther teach us about our current situation?

Here is a list of the messages I can take away: each one of them deserves a full discussion but, for now, let me just present you with my list.

Always be prepared. Make sure that you have done a full assessment of all possible eventualities and are ready. Just as Mordecai placed Esther inside the palace, and she agreed to go, we can prepare for the future without having particular information as to what might come to be. That means being observant and educated, qualities that Mordecai personified.

Don’t play all your cards at once. Keep some things close to your heart. Esther did not reveal her identity. That turned out to be crucial.

Try to have good connections and to be the one who is owed favours – not the other way around. Mordecai turning in the spies, Bigtan and Teresh, may not have immediately earned him any rewards immediately but, in the long run, it did bring him benefits.

Learn the rules. There are effective ways to respond to threats and there are ways that are less likely to work. Esther’s observations in the palace taught her how to earn the king’s admiration and how to induce him to grant her favors. Each place is different and the people in positions of influence will vary in what works with them. Make sure that the “rules” you are following are the ones that apply in this situation.

Work with others, nurture community. If you feel that you are not alone, it is easier to take risks (see below). Feeling that you are responsible for others, not just yourself, can be a great motivation to step outside your comfort zone. We all fasted to strengthen Esther – I think that this is one of the key teachings of the Megillah.

Be brave. As we all know, Esther took a huge risk in approaching Ahashverosh. But this goes with 4, above. She minimized the risk by observing the king and nurturing a good relationship with him.

Be conscious that leadership and heroism take many forms. Even when you appear to have been sidelined (as women clearly were in the Persian palace, and as we might feel they are in Israel today), you can find a way to take control. From the beginning of the story, Esther was willing to make sacrifices, if necessary. She was willing to forego her personal good reputation in the Jewish community and even her personal values (her modesty) if it were for a higher cause. As Adin Steinsaltz taught, this is, perhaps, the highest form of heroism.

Do not underestimate your enemies but don’t overstate their power either. Never stoop to their levels but, at the same time, you can catch them in their own webs. Haman’s arrogance and his false belief in his own power and that of his false gods were ultimately his downfall. Esther exploited this by inviting him to her soiree.

Keep up the faith. It is NOT true that one who has faith is not afraid but it IS true that faith is a tool in dealing effectively with fear. Believe in your own power to make a difference and this will motivate you to try! Esther was afraid but she also had faith.

Notice that behind the scenes, there is a Master of the Universe. He does not always reveal Himself and we cannot expect miracles to divert history from its human path. But He has given us responsibilities, abilities and values. If we develop and exploit them to the maximum, we become the miracle-makers!

Be grateful. If you have a small success, share your joy with those in need. Esther knew that after a huge victory, the best way of celebrating was by improving society – strengthening our friendships and helping those in need.

Share your victories with others. Tell the story. Spread the word. The Purim story is not just a well-constructed farce: it is a source of inspiration. Even the most devastating threat can be overturned. Many have tried to eliminate us and we are still here!

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)