Daily Torah Thought With Rabbi Yisroel Bernath

The Setting: After the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Jewish people are subjects under King Ahasuerus of Persia. The story begins with the king throwing a grand party, during which Queen Vashti is banished for her refusal to display her beauty to the guests.Esther's Rise to Queen: Seeking a new queen, Ahasuerus holds a beauty contest. Esther, a Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordechai, is chosen despite her reluctance and without revealing her Jewish identity.Mordechai's Discovery: Mordechai uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and reports it, saving Ahasuerus's life.Haman's Plot: Haman, the prime minister and a Jew-hater, becomes infuriated with Mordechai's refusal to bow to him. He convinces the king to issue a decree to annihilate all Jews on the 13th of Adar.Esther's Courage: Upon learning of Haman's decree, Mordechai convinces Esther to intervene. Esther bravely approaches the king, revealing her Jewish identity and exposing Haman's plot.The