This coming week, March 16, is the Festival of Purim. We read the book of Esther each year cheering each appearance of Esther and Mordecai and booing each appearance of Haman. Esther is the heroine of the book stepping up fearlessly to intercede with the king, declaring a fast, preparing banquets, and vanquishing Haman. Mordecai appears mainly as an accessory to Esther. Esther was raised in his house. He hovers protectively over her as she is being considered for the position of King Ahasuerus’ queen. He informs her of the plot to kill all the Jews and pushes her to confront the king. This year, we are going to focus on Mordecai and his role in saving the Jewish people.