Shalom USY,
My name is Lorelai Lindon, your 2024-2025 SA/TO Vice President. It has been the utmost honor to serve you.
The first half of my term has been very successful with the International Week of Giving events. Over six different regions and six chapters, 96 people participated in raising awareness and support for various areas of interest in Israel. Now, I am so excited for the second half of my term, which is starting off with my favorite holiday, Purim.
I love how the story of Purim, as told in the Book of Esther, highlights Queen Esther’s incredible strength, courage, and intelligence. She was not just a passive figure but an active hero who used her position and wisdom to save the Jewish people.
Esther was a Jewish woman living in Persia, chosen by King Ahasuerus to be his queen after Queen Vashti was deposed. However, Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret at the advice of her cousin and guardian, Mordechai. Meanwhile, Haman, the king’s advisor, plotted to annihilate the Jewish people after Mordechai refused to bow to him.
When Mordechai learned of Haman’s decree, he urged Esther to intervene. This was no small request—approaching the king without being summoned could mean death. At first, Esther hesitated, fearing for her life. But in a powerful moment of resolve, she declared, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), showing her willingness to risk everything for her people.
Instead of acting rashly, Esther devised a strategic plan. She invited the king and Haman to two banquets, skillfully setting the stage for her revelation. At the second banquet, she courageously exposed Haman’s plot and revealed her Jewish identity. The king, enraged, ordered Haman’s execution and granted Esther and Mordechai the power to reverse the decree, leading to the salvation of the Jews.
Esther’s strength lay in her bravery, wisdom, and ability to navigate a dangerous political landscape. She transformed from a young, seemingly powerless woman into a leader who took control of her destiny and that of her people. Her story is a testament to the power of courage and intelligence in the face of adversity.
In today’s world, I find stories of bravery and courage from women inspiring. This is why I believe supporting women-based Jewish organizations is necessary, especially in response to current events.
A few organizations I have volunteered with are Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore. Both are fantastic organizations that focus on making sure that women continue to have the ability to fight for other people or give back to the community, just as Queen Esther did in the Purim Story.
B’ahavah,
Lorelai Lindon
