The Shabbat before Purim is called Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat of Remembrance.
On this Shabbat, we are commanded to remember Amalek, the nation that attacked the Israelites in the wilderness, targeting the weak and the weary. But Amalek is not just an ancient enemy—it is a symbol of cruelty that preys on the vulnerable.
Jewish tradition teaches that Haman, the villain of the Purim story, is a descendant of Amalek. Before celebrating his downfall and Esther’s victory, we must recognize that our work is far from finished. There is still oppression in the world that we have the power—and the responsibility—to confront. Sounding the gragger during the Megillah reading is not enough.
Shabbat Zachor reminds us that evil does not disappear overnight.
Antisemitism still festers in the world, and like Esther, we must find the courage to speak out and act for a better future.
This past week, I heard Dr. Gil Troy speak about courage. Rather than focusing on the bravery of those defending Israel’s borders, he highlighted the courage it takes to be a Jew in America today.
Across the country, young Jews on college campuses face rising antisemitism and still choose to stand proudly in their identity. Dr. Troy described the quiet but profound strength of those who wear a dog tag, a kippah, or a yellow ribbon—public affirmations of Jewish pride in a world where doing so is becoming increasingly difficult.
Regardless of what we wear, we all carry this quiet strength—the courage that has defined the Jewish story for generations.
On Purim, we read one of the most powerful stories of courage in our tradition. Esther had everything to lose by speaking up. She could have remained silent in the palace, safe in her own world. But Mordechai’s words echoed in her ears:
“Who knows? Perhaps you have come to this moment for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).
Like Esther, we each have a voice. And now is the time to use it.
We may not stand in a royal palace, but we stand at a pivotal moment—one that will define the path forward for the Jewish people.
Once every five years, we are given the power, the right, and the responsibility to shape our shared future.
On Monday, March 10th, voting opens for the 2025 World Zionist Congress (WZC) election.
By casting our ballots for the Vote Reform slate (#3), we ensure that the values we hold dear—pluralism, democracy, and religious freedom—continue to have a seat at the table in Israel.
The World Zionist Congress helps set policies and directs a $1 billion annual budget that impacts Jews worldwide. This is not just a symbolic vote. It determines funding, representation, and influence within major Jewish organizations in Israel.
Your vote helps secure a future where our children and grandchildren will be recognized as Jews in Israel.
When you Vote Reform, you are:
- Taking a stand for a secure and democratic Israel.
- Protecting the rights of future generations to be recognized as Jewish in Israel.
- Choosing leaders who will champion Reform values—religious equality, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and a broad, inclusive Zionism.
Our ultra-Orthodox opponents in this election want to erase our legitimacy. They are mobilizing to silence the voice of Reform and Progressive Judaism in shaping Israel’s future.
We cannot let this happen. Like Esther, we must take a stand.
Shabbat Zachor commands us to remember. But remembrance alone is not enough—we must act.
This Shabbat, commit to voting in the World Zionist Congress election from March 10 to May 4.
Your vote is your voice—use it to shape the Jewish future.
Vote at zionistelection.org.
Shabbat Shalom,
