From Shushan to Selma: Lessons of Resistance, Courage, and Change

By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President

Having recently returned from our synagogue’s Purimspiel practice, and delving into my megillah reading for the upcoming weekend, Purim is at the forefront of my thoughts. At the same time, I’m filled with the impactful images and narratives from our Women’s League Civil Rights Journey last week through Atlanta, Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, where we learned about individuals who sparked significant historical change in this country.

On the trip, we confronted the history of racial terror lynching, used as a systemic tool of oppression against African Americans. The haunting photographs of lynchings, eerily reminiscent of modern images taken by Hamas terrorists, underscored the dehumanization of the “other.”

This theme of oppressing the “other” is central to the Purim narrative as well. Though Purim and the Civil Rights movement come from vastly different historical and cultural contexts, they both explore the themes of identity, otherness, and the pursuit of justice.

In the Purim story, Jews were marginalized as the “other”—a minority targeted by Haman for their distinct identity and refusal to assimilate. Purim celebrates the bravery of Esther and Mordechai and their successful stand against injustice, challenging, and ultimately foiling, Haman’s evil plan. Esther, who initially concealed her Jewish identity, risked everything by revealing it to the king, asserting that Jews were not mere “others” but her family.

Every fight against injustice requires brave heroes. Civil Rights movement leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis, together with Jewish leaders and countless others championed equality through nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. The Selma to Montgomery marches, spurred by the tragic death of Jimmy Lee Jackson, stand as a testament to such courage. Southern Christian Leadership Counsel (SCLC) leader James Bevel drew from Esther’s courage, proposing a march to the state capital in Montgomery in honor of Jackson, reminiscent of Esther’s plea to the king on behalf of her people.  He said “it would be fitting to take [Jimmy Lee Jackson’s] body and march all the way to the state capital in Montgomery. As it is written in the Book of Esther, ‘she is charged to go unto the King and supplicate unto him for her people.’ We must go to Montgomery and see the King [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.].”

Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus and King’s leadership of the bus boycott are specific acts of defiance that sparked significant change, much like Esther’s confrontation with the king and Haman. Both Purim and the Civil Rights movement underscore the importance of challenging injustices, highlighting how reclaiming one’s identity can lead to transformative societal change.

Our celebration of Purim this year offers an opportunity for reflection on the ongoing struggles for justice and against antisemitism worldwide, urging us to embrace the courage of Esther and the Civil Rights leaders.  We are inspired to use our voices, resources, and privileges to combat all forms of oppression, bigotry, and injustice.

Whether it’s Esther, Civil Rights icons, or our political leaders here and in Israel, the world needs leaders who exemplify humility, openness, and bravery. May we all find courage within ourselves and be blessed with such leaders in our lifetime.

Shabbat Shalom and wishing you and your families and communities a very joyous Purim.

Shabbat Shalom,

Julia Loeb
WLCJ International President
jloeb@wlcj.org