The Hidden Messages of Megillat Esther and the Power of 23 Sivan

 Many of us are old enough to remember when Iran used to be called Persia. Appropriately, From Persia to the Present is the theme of this fascinating article by our member Rabbi Paul Bloom. 

Megillat Esther is not merely a historical account of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. Like much of Tanach, it conceals within it deeper spiritual layers—codes, allusions, and prophecies that stretch far beyond its time. One of the most astonishing hidden messages in the Megillah relates to the ten sons of Haman and a shocking parallel in modern history.

The Ten Sons of Haman and the Shadow of Amalek

When the Megillah lists the ten sons of Haman who were hanged (Esther 9:6–10), certain Hebrew letters in their names are written unusually—some are small, and one is large. Specifically, the small letters are ת (Tav), ש (Shin), ז (Zayin), and the large letter is ו (Vav). In gematria (Hebrew numerology), these letters correspond to the Jewish year 5707—that is, 1946 in the secular calendar.

Why is this significant?

On October 16, 1946 (6 Tishrei 5707), ten top Nazi war criminals were executed by hanging following the Nuremberg Trials. One of them, Julius Streicher, a notorious Jew-hater and propagandist, reportedly cried out “Purimfest 1946!” as he was led to the gallows. The eerie parallel between Haman’s sons and these modern-day Amalekites is hard to ignore. It’s as if the Megillah whispered across the ages: “Ten sons of Haman will fall again.”

The Talmud teaches that Amalek is not just a nation but a spiritual force of hatred and opposition to the Jewish people. The Nazis were not merely political enemies; they were ideological Amalekites. The execution of ten of their leaders by hanging—on the exact year encoded in Megillat Esther—is a chilling fulfillment of this idea.

Parashat Shelach Lecha: The Ten Spies and the Sin Against the Land

This week’s Torah portion, Shelach, contains another story involving ten individuals—the ten spies (meraglim) who slandered the Land of Israel and dissuaded the people from entering it. Their actions caused a national tragedy. As a result, that entire generation was condemned to wander the desert and die without ever entering the Promised Land.

The common thread? Ten individuals whose actions had massive consequences for the Jewish people.

Just as Haman’s ten sons and the ten Nazis represented the spiritual force of Amalek, the ten spies represent another destructive force: internal opposition to Eretz Yisrael. Their sin was not merely fear—it was the creation of a false narrative about the Land of Israel, weakening the resolve of the nation to fulfill God’s command.

We must take this lesson seriously today. Any leader or influencer within the Jewish world who discourages or neglects to promote Aliyah—the return to our Land—is, perhaps unknowingly, walking in the footsteps of the meraglim. The message is clear: to speak against Eretz Yisrael is no small matter—it carries national, even generational, consequences.

The Power of 23 Sivan: From Darkness to Light

There is another gem hidden within Megillat Esther: the repeated mention of the 23rd of Sivan (Esther 8). This was the day when the second royal decree was issued by Mordechai and Esther—empowering the Jews to rise and defend themselves against their enemies.

Even after Haman’s execution on 17 Nissan, his genocidal decree remained in effect. But on 23 Sivan, hope returned. A new edict was written, translated into every language of the empire, and sent to all 127 provinces. The Jewish people were no longer victims—they were empowered.

The Sages and kabbalistic writings describe 23 Sivan as a spiritually potent day—a day when evil decrees can be overturned, when darkness begins to give way to light. As it says in Esther 8:15-16:

"And Mordechai went out from before the king in royal garments... and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light, and joy, and gladness, and honor."

This verse became part of our Havdalah service—symbolizing transformation and hope.

How to Tap Into the Power of 23 Sivan

Many spiritual teachers recommend practical steps to draw blessing and protection on this special day:

Light two candles in honor of Esther and Mordechai.

Give charity:

• Use both hands when placing money in the tzedakah box.
• Give amounts that align with gematria:
• 72 (Chesed - Kindness)
• 298 (Rachamim - Mercy)
• Direct the funds to poor Torah scholars or needy individuals in Israel.

Recite specific chapters of Tehillim (Psalms): Chapters: 22, 35, 79, 83, 94, 130, and 142

Read Chapter 8 of Megillat Esther.Pray from the heart—ask Hashem to overturn personal or national decrees of hardship.

Accept a new mitzvah into your daily life—a concrete act of spiritual growth.

From Persia to the Present – The Journey Continues

The messages of Megillat Esther and Parshat Shelach are timeless. They call us to vigilance against external enemies and inner doubts. They remind us that history is not random—it is guided by Divine Providence, encoded with lessons and hints meant to awaken us.

As we approach this 23rd of Sivan, let us remember: history can turn on a single day. A sealed decree can be overturned. A people marked for destruction can become a nation cloaked in joy.

May this Thursday, 23 Sivan, be a day of great light and gladness for all of Am Yisrael—a day when sorrow turns to celebration, fear to strength, and exile to redemption.

Responding to global barbarism: insights from Purim and beyond

As we mark a second Purim at war with Hamas and Hezbollah, writes our member Rabbi Paul Bloom, we are once again confronted with the age-old struggle against hatred and oppression. The Purim narrative, with its cast of characters—Haman, Achashverosh, and the resilient Jewish people—offers profound insights into our response to the barbarism of Hamas and Iran.

The Plot Unfolds: Haman’s Hatred and Achashverosh’s Dilemma

Haman, driven by irrational animosity, sought to annihilate the Jewish people. His malevolence knew no bounds; he envisioned a cruel and humiliating end for an entire community. Yet Achashverosh, the Persian king, hesitated. He rejected Haman’s brutal plan, opting for a more restrained approach. The Talmud (Megillah 14a) highlights Achashverosh’s sensitivity, noting that while he allowed Haman's decree, he was not as bloodthirsty himself.

This early instance of anti-Semitism echoes through history. Today, anti-Semitism persists in politics, international forums, sports, entertainment, education, and even within our own governments and social circles. Worse, it appears to be intensifying. How do we respond to this rising tide of hatred?

Drawing Strength from Our Identity

The Jews of Persia faced annihilation, yet they did not retreat into anonymity. Instead, they embraced their Jewish identity more fervently. In the face of irrational hate, they remained steadfast in their faith and traditions. Their response teaches us a vital lesson: our identity is not defined by external forces but by the blessings of happiness, family, love, life, and the moral compass bestowed upon us by the Torah.

This phenomenon is unfolding in Israel today. We hear stories of hostages and their families rediscovering their faith—saying Shema for the first time, lighting Shabbat candles, donning Tefillin and Tzitzit, and celebrating Shabbat and Yom Tov. This war has ignited a Jewish awakening.

We do not combat emptiness by becoming more empty. Instead, we stand proudly and defiantly, trusting in Hashem and remaining loyal to our people. Our resilience lies not in assimilation but in unwavering commitment.

Beyond Identity: Political and Military Measures

Yet the Jews of Persia did not rely solely on faith. They took practical steps to protect themselves. Similarly, in our complex world, we must blend hope with action. Here are some modern parallels:

●      Advocacy and Education: We combat ignorance with knowledge. Educating both Jews and non-Jews about our history, culture, and contributions helps dispel misconceptions. Advocacy organizations play a crucial role in countering anti-Semitism.

●      Community Unity: Like the Jews of Persia, we must stand together. Our strength lies in unity. When anti-Semitism rears its head, we must respond as a cohesive community, amplifying our voices.

●      Political Engagement: We engage in the political arena, advocating for policies that promote tolerance, inclusivity, and justice. Our votes matter; they shape the world we leave for future generations.

●      Military Response: Just as the Jews of Persia protected themselves militarily, the IDF—guided by Hashem—defends the Jews of Israel. The bravery and morality of the IDF are unparalleled. We have witnessed open miracles—from protection against hundreds of missiles to bombs failing to detonate in crowded areas.

The IDF: Defending Our Existence with Unprecedented Ethics

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) embody the fusion of faith and action. Their mission extends beyond military defense; they uphold ethical warfare even when facing a barbaric enemy. Colonel Richard Kemp, former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan, has stated that the IDF surpasses other armies in safeguarding civilian rights during combat.

Unparalleled Measures for Civilian Safety

• Advanced Warnings: The IDF takes extraordinary steps to warn Gaza civilians before striking. They drop millions of leaflets, broadcast radio messages, send texts, and make tens of thousands of phone calls. Imagine: Israeli soldiers personally calling Gazans, urging them to evacuate. No army in history has ever directly informed its enemy where bombs will fall.

• Risking Their Own Safety: IDF missions that could have neutralized Hamas military capabilities were often aborted to prevent civilian casualties. This self-imposed restraint increases risks for Israeli soldiers and citizens but underscores the IDF’s commitment to preserving innocent lives.

• Combating Misinformation: Despite these efforts, antisemites accuse Israel of genocide. Yet the truth is clear—the IDF fights not only to defend Israel but to uphold humanity.

• Feeding the Enemy: No other army in history has provided food, water, and fuel to its enemy—especially one actively seeking its destruction.

Drawing Inspiration from Haman and Purim

Haman was consumed by an insatiable void, an emptiness that ultimately led to his downfall. Yet his malevolence gave birth to Purim—a holiday where Jewish children joyfully drown out his name with groggers. Why? Because we refuse to be swallowed by darkness. Instead, we fight evil with light, filling voids with hope.

Our Miraculous Victory

We look forward to soon celebrating another miraculous victory—the defeat of Hamas and Iranian aggression, along with the safe return of our hostages. This triumph will not only mark the protection of the Jewish people but serve as a victory for the entire civilized world. It will symbolize our resilience against cruelty and barbarism.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we honor Purim, let us remember that our fight extends beyond borders. The IDF’s mission echoes through history: to protect lives, uphold justice, and bring light to a world often shrouded in darkness. May we draw inspiration from our ancient past and apply it to our present reality. May we remain unyielding in our identity, compassionate in our actions, and resolute in our pursuit of a world free from barbarism.