The Midrash in Esther Rabbah (7:18) records that when Eliyahu HaNavi heard about the Heavenly decree to destroy the Jewish people in the days of Achashveirosh, he ran to the Avos to ask them to daven on their descendants' behalf. When the Avos indicated that there was nothing that they could do, Eliyahu approached Moshe Rabbeinu and asked him to intercede. Moshe responded by asking Eliyahu if there is any Tzaddik in that generation; when Eliyahu responded in the affirmative and identified Mordechai, Moshe told him to go tell Mordechai to daven there on earth and he would daven in Heaven.

We are all familiar with the end result. The question is why Eliyahu specifically identified Mordechai as the Tzaddik of the generation. After all, it is likely that there were other Tzaddikim alive at that time; indeed, it is clear from traditional chronology that there were even some Nevi'im alive at that time, along with other individuals who would later comprise the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah. Why then did Mordechai stand out? The Alter of Kelm suggests that it was because Mordechai had demonstrated a strong concern for and a deep identification with his fellow Jews which made him particularly well-suited for his task. In fact, according to one opinion in the Gemara in Megillah (13a), Mordechai was himself in exile in the first place only because he went voluntarily in order to be with and support his fellow Jews. Apparently, he could have worked things out for himself to stay in Eretz Yisrael somehow, but when so many of his people were exiled, he went along with them to display his passionate commitment to them. For this reason, Mordechai was deemed most worthy to be the representative of the Jewish people in his day.

It seems that one's attitude toward one's fellow Jews is a significant factor to be considered in evaluating one's suitability to be a Jewish leader. As we approach Purim this year, perhaps all of us, even though we are not being called upon to lead our people, should consider just what our attitude is towards our fellow Jews. Are we really concerned for the well being of others? Do we do all that we can to help those that are less fortunate? Are we welcoming, friendly, and outgoing to others in our community who may not be part of our immediate circle of friends? Do we ever express a "Hello", a "Good Shabbos", or even a simple smile to someone whom we may not know that well? Perhaps there is someone new in the neighborhood whom we can surprise with a Shalach Manos package this Purim. Perhaps we should all, in the midst of the joy of Purim, take a moment to reflect on the true greatness of Mordechai and look to emulate his accomplishment. We will then indeed be able to celebrate and revel in the spirit of friendship that this holiday is meant to generate.

Let me take this opportunity on behalf of my wife and myself to invite all of our friends and Mispallelim to our home at 1477 Jefferson Street (at the corner of Rutland Avenue) on Purim afternoon between 1:30 and 3:30 for an Open House in the spirit of Simchas Purim. We wish everyone a Freilichen Purim.