What's the connection between a reality show "The Amazing Race" and the story of Esther?!
I'm writing as we approach the holiday of Purim and I'm thinking of the story of the Megilah and its' implications. I always thought that Megilat Esther is there to teach more than the simple fact that once again the Jews were saved. To be more specific, I refer to the end of the story where we read about Mordechai becoming an advisor to the King and his reputation precedes him throughout the kingdom. Why this part is important enough to make it into the bible?! The Jews were already saved and that should have been the end of the story; the status of Mordechai and the Jews following the salvation seems irrelevant.
I think that in the last paragraph of the Megilah lies an extremely important idea and that is why this information was added. The idea is Kiddush Shem Shamayim- sanctifying God's name in the world.
The principles of Mordechai and Esther brought them and the entire nation not only the rescue but also the recognition by the gentiles. Mordechai's role, according to the commentaries, did not end after Haman was hanged but rather it developed and grew so Mordechai was a leader both for the Jews as well as for the gentile community.
Mordechai refused to break Torah law which has nothing to do with the gentile community but through his actions and thinking process he made Kiddush Shem Shamayim and brought a real revolution.
The idea of sanctifying God's name can easily fill many pages so put it aside for a moment and let me tell you about the Israeli version of the reality show "The Amazing Race"
For those who are not familiar with the format, The Amazing Race is a reality TV game show in which teams of two people, who have some form of a preexisting personal relationship, race around the world in competition with other teams. Contestants strive to arrive first at "pit stops" at the end of each leg of the race to win prizes and to avoid coming in last, which carries the possibility of elimination or a significant disadvantage in the following leg. The winner is the team who came first to the final stop.
The second season of the Israeli version just ended a few weeks ago reaching a record of 42% ratings. Three teams made it to the final: two brothers, two female childhood friends in their 20's and a religious couple by the name of Akiva and Ana'el Shmueli.
From the very beginning it was clear that the Shmueli's are the audience favorites and one of the strongest teams. At the final point the show's host told the Shmuelis that their connection is an inspiration to everybody. It is clear why these religious young individuals became heroes for many and celebrities.
In an interview the Shmuelis told that several reality shows approach them but only the producers of the Amazing Race were willing to accommodate them, making it possible for observant people to participate. Issues of Kashrut, Shabbat and modesty were discussed and solutions were found.
Akiva and Ana'el became the audience's favorite contestants because in addition to being a strong couple who overcomes each task, they presented a beautiful relationship full of love and support. In addition, they were willing to give up valuable points throughout the race and not compromise their beliefs. Being competitive did not cause them to forget their values like helping others in need even if the risk is losing.
Even though Akiva and Ana'el did everything right including consulting their Rabbi prior to their participation in the show, not everybody was happy.
Religious Zionism leader Rabbi Shlomo Aviner argued that Akiva and Ana'el's participation in popular reality TV show goes against Jewish values and may be considered as violation of Jewish law since the couple had to travel abroad. Rabbi Aviner adds that: "A man must be modest and humble; he shouldn't have a video camera follow him and see what he does." Against the claim that watching nice religious people might encourage some people to get closer to Judaism Rabbi Aviner said: "nobody asked to turn anybody religious."
A couple of religious educators turned to Rabbi Yuval Sherlo to hear opinion on the show. "There's no doubt that in light of the show, secular society in Israel now has a great deal of respect for 'The Jewish Home' and believes that a relationship within that home is healthy, full of love and trust - all due to the much discussed couple who even in moments of hardship live in amazing cooperation and admirable coherence.
Yet the questions must be raised: is this the sanctification of God? Or is it just something nice? Or is it possible that this is a profanity of God's name? And is this a way to influence the Israeli nation? Rabbi gave a lengthy answer and at the end he wrote: "If following the show, society has learned something positive about relationships, loyalty, healthy coherence and the like - that is important and it is important whether it's called the sanctification of God or not."
Akiva and Ana'el came in third place but were able to contribute more than the prize they could win.
Both Mordechai and the Shmuelis created a sanctification of God's name and that always makes our world a better place.
Times change and the means through which we can contribute change as well but the principles stay the same. We ought to create sanctification of God's name in this world and we can do it only by showing examples of how one should live life. Values like love, loyalty, caring and such are the key to sanctify God's name no matter what you do.
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem,
Cantor Arik Wollheim
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