A recent issue of Time Magazine reveals the shocking-or perhaps not so shocking-results of a survey of religion in America. It is estimated that 28% of Americans change their religious identity during their lives. If changing denominations within Protestant Christianity is included, then the percentage rises to 44%. The second largest religious group in the United States is composed of former Catholics. I wonder how this phenomenon plays itself out in the Jewish community. Of course, those of us who are committed to the future of Judaism usually socialize with other committed Jews. We probably don't mingle with Jews who now practice different religions. However, as Americans all of us cherish our freedom to choose-which we now learn includes choosing a religion.

The Book of Esther raises the issue of Judaism and personal identity. Initially, Mordechai advises Esther not to reveal her personal identity as a Jew to King Ahasuerus. Indeed, the very name "Esther" is said to derive from the Hebrew root for hidden, which is "s-t-r". Esther's Jewish identity remains hidden throughout much of the story. The setting of the narrative of the Book of Esther is alien to someone from a traditional, religious background. Esther participates in a beauty pageant to achieve the throne of Persia. She is surrounded by women competing for a royal husband, very different from the social etiquette of the traditional Jewish world. She basically hangs out with courtly eunuchs throughout this process. Of course, Judaism would view such bodily mutilation as a sin. Esther ultimately marries a pagan king. It is only at the climactic moment in the narrative that Esther reveals her identity as a Jewish woman.

Therefore, Esther's identity as a Jewish woman is fluid. In this way, she is a very modern Jewish woman-despite the fact that many feminists have criticisms of Esther. Esther is a contemporary figure in that her identity is not fixed to a particular expression of Judaism. As a child, she probably identified intensely with the religious practice of Mordechai, who raised her. As the Queen of Persia, her Judaism recedes into insignificance. It only emerges as crucial in that moment when she rushes to the defense of her people. Esther's life probably reflects the reality of Diaspora Jews living in Persia. Like Esther, they participated in the culture of the country in which they resided. Also, like Esther, at times, their Jewish identity became more significant to them.

Esther's relationship to her religious identity is highly instructive. It is at times of crisis and change that religion comes to the forefront of many individuals' lives. For some, it is the birth of a child that inspires them to explore our tradition. Many couples first join synagogues when they become parents. For others, it is the crisis of illness or loss that propels them to return to the synagogue. Religious faith offers these individuals the comfort and the support that they seek in their difficult moments. G-d's presence is felt in their lives when they recite the sacred prayers of our past. For a few, like Esther, it is the expression of anti-Semitism that brings them back to their people. Indeed, it was European anti-Semitism that motivated Theodore Herzl to found the Zionist movement. A good number of individuals become much more motivated to express their Judaism in an environment like Indiana, where our status as a minority group is readily apparent. Esther's example is highly instructive. A moment of transition and challenge may awaken the Jewish spirit that lies within.

Many of the individuals in the Time magazine article were probably what are called "the seekers." Religious seekers often search for spiritual inspiration in new ways and in new institutions. These seekers often view the tradition in which they were raised as less than fulfilling. They want something new and different to bring meaning into their religious lives.

I would ask our membership to seek out these seekers and share with them what we offer at Shaarey Tefilla. Like Esther, there are many individuals "out there" who are in a time of transition and challenge. Many of them are seeking a spiritual home in which to raise their children. Some of them are seeking the synagogue at a time of profound difficulty in their lives. A significant number of baby-boomers are beginning to experience illness and loss in their lives. They are beginning to seek meaning in their lives. For others, the isolation of being Jewish in Indiana motivates them to search for other Jews. This is particularly true of Jews in Zionsville, Westfield, Fishers, and Noblesville-where the number of Jewish residents is still rather small. Let us reach out to those who are seeking and share with them what we have to offer. These individuals are the sons and daughters of Esther-Esther, whose identity lay hidden within her-only to blossom forth at the right moment.

Please join us for our Purim Celebration-Thursday, March 20th-5:15 p.m. for Purim Pizza, 5:45 p.m. for Megillah Reading, and 7:15 p.m. for the Purim Carnival.

We will also read the Megillah again on Friday morning, March 21st at 7:00 a.m.

May the joy of Purim-the joy of discovering the beauty of Judaism-be with us all!
Rabbi Arnold L. Bienstock